Watch out for the Boogeyman
Derek Boogaard was a player who probably could not exist in the new NHL, where goons and enforcers are no longer appreciated the way they used to be.
The 6’7″ son of a Canadian Mountie, Boogaard carved out an NHL career based on his skills as a fighter and enforcer, almost always a fan favorite. He was chosen as the second most intimidating player in hockey in 2007.
He was signed by the Regina Pats of the WHL after a game where Boogaard invaded the opposing bench and tried to fight the entire team. This probably taught him that if he was going to make it to the NHL, it would be with his fists, not his stick.
Playing for the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, he racked up 149 penalty minutes in only 20 games, though he ended up with a broken jaw before the season ended. However, he didn’t lose weight, figuring out a way to cram food through jaws wired shut. When he returned for the following year, it was to chants of his name as he won more fights, earning him honors as the Western Conference’s toughest player.
The Minnesota Wild drafted Derek in the 7th round (202nd overall) in the 2001 Entry Draft, which meant they didn’t hold out much hope of him making the NHL. His coaches in the ECHL were instructed to turn him into an enforcer, and Boogaard soaked up lessons in skating and boxing.
But injuries suffered over the years (back and shoulder) continued to dog him and he is believed to have taken liberal use of pain medication dispensed by team doctors.
After two years with the AHL Houston Aeros, where he solidified his reputation as an enforcer, Boogaard made his NHL debut with the Wild in 2005. The rookie had two goals, six points, and led the team with 158 penalty minutes in 65 games.
The next season, Boogaard had one assist and 120 penalty minutes in 48 games. In a game against the Ducks, he was challenged to fight by Todd Fedoruk. He shattered Fedoruk’s cheekbone, which had to be surgically repaired with metal plates and mesh, though the two later became teammates and friends.
During Minnesota’s 2008–09 season, Boogaard began taking prescription medicine for back pain and had to undergo two surgeries. He began using Percocet. According to his brother, Derek felt he had to ingest high amounts because of his size, 8-10 pills at a time.
Because the Wild’s team physicians did not keep accurate records, Boogaard wound up with 8 prescriptions for 11 different drugs including Vicodin and OxyContin, as well as getting more from illicit sources.
Addicted to painkillers, he missed the 2009-10 training camp, sent to a drug rehab center in California. Returning five games into the campaign, he appeared in 57 games, with 4 points and 105 penalty minutes, but those around him thought he had changed, becoming more withdrawn.
As an unrestricted free agent, the Wild could not match offers from Edmonton and New York. Though his family preferred he sign with the Oilers, he joined the Rangers, accepting a 4-year $6.5 million contract.
He reported to the Rangers almost 40 pounds overweight, but played well, though he suffered a broken nose (and a possible concussion) in a fight. Shortly after that, he received another concussion that ended his season.
Diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, Boogaard stayed in his apartment. The Rangers sent meals to him every day, but he preferred fast food. And he was still buying pills he didn’t have prescriptions for.
Derek Boogaard died on May 13, 2011 from an overdose of alcohol and drugs while still recovering from his concussion. He was found to have an advanced case of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). He was only 28 years old.