Derek Boogaard has been respected as one of the toughest players in the NHL (which is saying something) for many years. What fans - and even teammates - didn't know, was that Boogaard was fighting another battle off of the ice.
From the New York Ranger website: Boogaard family issues statement.
News broke of Boogaard's death last week, but no specific details regarding the cause were released until today. I had a suspicion that his death was drug or alcohol related when I learned that foul play was ruled out.
This is an extremely unfortunate situation, and my thoughts and prayers are still with his family.
