Boogeyman

This is never a good thing to wake up to, particularly since it is the morning of another exciting round of hockey, but it has to be said.  I'll get to my predictions later today, but this morning is a time to remember one of the most imposing (physically) enforcers in recent hockey history.

Last night, in his Minneapolis apartment, Derek Boogaard was found dead.  The reasons for his death won't be discovered for another few days, but the death itself is quite shocking, since he was in the prime of his career at 28.  Known more for his fighting than his offense (remember when he scored after some 100 games or so without a goal?), Boogaard was a fan favorite in his time with the Minnesota Wild before moving on to the New York Rangers prior to this season.  He didn't have much of an impact, missing the second half of the season.  His lasting legacy will be that of a guy you didn't want to drop gloves with and a great guy off the ice, as the Minnesota Wild fans will tell you.  Just look around when you go to a Wild game, and you will see quite a few jerseys with Boogaard and his number 24 on them.

It's never a good feeling to write these things, as no one really wants to see people pass on, but I know that Boogaard will be dropping gloves with the Big Man in the sky and chatting it up with him afterwards.