News broke out late Friday night that Derek Boogaard, bruiser for the New York Rangers, was found dead at age 28 in his apartment in Minneapolis. I typically stray from news that doesn’t immediately affect the Flyers, but I felt like touching on this subject.
Boogaard is the type of player that would never be a household name. He wasn’t a Gretzky, or an Orr, or an Ovechkin. He was a Jody Shelley type player- a large, hulking forward that carries a lot of weight in the locker room. He was well loved by the hockey community.
He will be missed.
It’s unknown what exactly happened in that apartment. He may have had a medical condition that was unknown prior to his death (he has been out for an extended period of time with a concussion). He may have committed suicide for reasons that we will never understand. He may have been a victim of outside forces.
Regardless, it’s as good as time as any to reflect on the fact that the world is a chaotic place and we must cherish every day that we spend here.
I don’t want to sound preachy or exploitative. I merely want to use this news as a platform to remind others to always show your appreciation for the people you care about. Life is fragile and nobody knows the course that life will take over time. Based on the tweets from the players who knew Boogaard best, his untimely death was completely unexpected and heartbreaking.
If there are people in your life that matter to you but you’ve been too busy to make the call to catch up, please do so now.
Remember the Boogeyman for being one of the most fearsome players on the ice and one of the kindest off it.
Good article. thank you
Good stuff JJ. Live life to the fullest and have respect and care for others. Peace
Great job.
Josh:
Very well said.