Who Is Derek Boogaard? Age, Biography and Wiki
Derek Boogaard was born on June 23, 1982, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Regrettably, he passed away on May 13, 2011, but his legacy continues to resonate within the hockey community and beyond. Known for his formidable presence on the ice, Boogaard made a significant mark as an enforcer in the NHL, playing for both the Minnesota Wild and the New York Rangers. His dedication to the sport has led to ongoing conversations about player safety and mental health.
At the time of his passing, Boogaard was 28 years old. His contributions to ice hockey have been remembered with tributes and memorials, solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the sport.
| Occupation | Hockey Player |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 23, 1982 |
| Age | 28 Years |
| Birth Place | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Canada |
| Date of death | 13 May, 2011 |
| Died Place | Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
Popularity
Derek Boogaard's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Derek Boogaard stood tall at an imposing height of 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m). He weighed approximately 265 pounds (120 kg), which contributed to his reputation as a heavyweight enforcer on the ice. Known for his physical playstyle, Boogaard’s size and strength made him a formidable opponent on the rink.
By the next season he had reached his full adult height of 6 ft. The Pats called him back to training camp, and he got into 12 fights during the four scrimmages. He played in five games with the team, earning no points and 17 PIM. Early in his rookie season, he was traded to the Prince George Cougars after losing a fight in a game against the Kelowna Rockets.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Derek Boogaard kept most aspects of his personal life private. There are limited public details regarding his romantic relationships. He was known to have close relationships with his family, which included his parents and siblings, and he often drew strength and support from them during his career. Unfortunately, because he passed at a relatively young age, details about any significant other, including a girlfriend or wife, remain unclear.
Boogaard died at 28 from an accidental drug and alcohol overdose while recovering from a concussion. A posthumous examination of his brain found he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy more advanced than that seen in some former enforcers.
That disclosure came shortly after the deaths of two other hockey enforcers, Rick Rypien and Wade Belak, both of whom were also under 40 and had similar health issues. The three deaths triggered a debate in the hockey community about the issues faced by enforcers and their place in the game.
His parents unsuccessfully sued the NHL and its players' union over his death.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Derek Boogaard’s net worth was estimated to be around $4 million. His financial earnings primarily came from his NHL contracts, endorsements, and appearances. The contracts associated with his time in the NHL included a notable 4-year deal worth $6.5 million with the New York Rangers. His contributions to the sport and larger discussions around player safety have provided ongoing interest in his life and career.
After the season, the Wild discreetly offered to trade him to other teams. Boogaard became an unrestricted free agent. The Wild offered to double his salary, but other teams could offer more. The Oilers and New York Rangers each offered $1.5 million a year.
His family wanted him to sign with Edmonton so he could be closer to them, but he decided to play in New York instead. "It's one of the great cities to be at and you're always on center stage when you're out there, so I'm excited," Boogaard told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
The four-year, $6.5 million contract he signed with his new team was a lucrative deal for an enforcer.
Career, Business, and Investments
Derek Boogaard’s NHL career began when he was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the 7th round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. He played a crucial role as an enforcer, racking up penalty minutes and offering protection to his teammates. In addition to his NHL career, Boogaard participated in various off-ice activities, including charity work aimed at educating young athletes about the challenges of mental health.
After his passing, his life has led to increased awareness about the long-term effects of concussions and substance abuse in professional sports, with numerous initiatives launched in his memory.
A native of Saskatchewan, where he grew up in several different communities as the son of a Mountie, he was known primarily as a fighter and enforcer throughout his career, from junior hockey to the pros. His fighting prowess earned him the nicknames of "Boogeyman" and "the Mountie", and made him a favourite with fans.
In 2007, he was voted as the second-most-intimidating player in the NHL, behind Georges Laraque, who attributed his retirement in part to a desire to avoid the serious injury Boogaard could inflict, such as the cheekbone fracture Todd Fedoruk suffered that had to be repaired with metal plates.
Social Network
While he was not particularly active on social media during his lifetime, Derek Boogaard's legacy has made him a popular figure in discussions on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, where fans, fellow players, and organizations continue to share tributes and memories of him.
Friends, teammates, coaches and family said that while Boogaard's play had not changed, his personality had. "He just was kind of—a blank face," recalled John Scott. He fell asleep at odd times and was late for meetings and workouts. The team warned other players not to share their own prescription medicines with him.
Education
Derek Boogaard attended the University of North Dakota, where he played collegiate hockey before entering the NHL. This educational background contributed to his development as both a player and a person, highlighting the importance of education in the world of sports.
In May 2011, Boogaard was granted another recess to attend his sister's graduation from the University of Kansas. He and brother Aaron went from California back to Minneapolis, planning to spend a few days together with Ryan, the other Boogaard brother. On the night of May 12, Boogaard went out with friends.
Before they left the apartment, Aaron gave Derek what he said later was a 30 mg Percocet tablet he had been holding for his brother.
