A Boy Learns To Brawl

Transcription

oy Learns
To Brawl
A Boy Learns
To Brawl
CMYK
Nxxx,2011-12-04,SP,001,Bs-4C,E1
N
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2011
By JOHN BRANCH
Derek Boogaard
Age 2
ared. He did not know whom he would fight, just that he
must.
had collided, the way they can in hockey.
ram the night before. Boogaard scanned the roster, checking heights
e barely slept.
fered scouting reports. As Boogaard taped his stick in the hallway of
e was approached by one of the few players bigger than he was. Boodid not know his name.
Derek Boogaard
said.
Age 2
D
D
By JOHN BRANCH
Over six seasons in the N.H.L.,
Boogaard
Derek Boogaard
Age 2
accrued three goals and 589 minutes
in penalPUNC
HED OUT
EREK
BOOGAARD
was scared.
Hea contract
did notpaying
know
hea would fight, just that he must
ties and
him whom
$1.6 million
year.
Opportunity
obligation had collided,
the way they can in hockey.
THE LIFE ANDand
DEATH
On May 13, his brothers found him dead of
OF A HOCKEY ENFORCER
an accidental
his Minneapolis
His father bought a program
the nightoverdose
before.inBoogaard
scanned the roster, checking heights
apartment. Boogaard was 28. His ashes, takPART 1
d weights. He later recalled that he barely
slept.
ing up two
boxes instead of the usual one, rest
in a cabinet at his mother’s house in Regina.
A trainer in the dressing room offered
scouting
reports.
As Boogaard
His brain,
however,
was removed
before the taped his stick in the hallway o
cremation so that it could be examined by scie
rink inLike
Regina,
approached by one of the few players bigger than he was. Boo
grettable.
so manySaskatchewan,
Canadian boys, Boo-he was
entists.
gaard
wanted
to
reach
the
National
Hockey
Boogaard
complained about the
ard had never seen him before. He did not
knowrarely
his name.
League on the glory of goals. That dream endtoll — the crumpled
and
broken hands, the
By JOHN BRANCH
ed“I’m
early, going
as it usually
does,
and no
oneplayer
had to said.
aching back
the concussions
to kill
you,”
the
Byand
JOHN
BRANCH that nobody
EREK BOOGAARDcared
was scared.
He did
know who
whombelieve
he would
fight, just that he must.
ell him.
to count.
Butnotthose
BooOpportunity
had
collided,
the
way
they
can
in
hockey.
But big-time hockey has a unique
side en-and obligation
gaard loved to fight have it wrong. He loved
sixheights
seasons
the N.H.L.,
The scrimmage began.
A coach tapped
EREK
was
“I’m Over
going
to kill inyou,”
the Boogaar
His father
a program
the night
before. Boogaard
the roster,
checking
rance. Boogaard could
fightBOOGAARD
his way
therebought
what
it brought:
a continuation
of scanned
an unlikely
accrued three goals and 589 minutes in pena
ogaard on the shoulder. Boogaard knew
weights.
later
that he
barely
Pcareer.
U Nslept.
C
H he
ED
OU
T it meant:
with his bare knuckles,
hisand
stick
dropped,
therecalled
hockey
And
loved
what
scared.
He
didHenot
know
player
said.
ties
and a contract paying him $1.6 million
at it meant. He clambered over the waistA
trainer
in
the
dressing
room
offered
scouting
reports.
As
Boogaard
taped
his
stick
in the hallway of
vengeance
against
a
lifetime
of
perceived
game
paused
and
the
crowd
on
its
feet.
And
he would fight, just
The
year. scrimmage began. A
h wall and onto the whom
ice.
LIFE
AND
DEATH
doubters
andapproached
the
gratitude
ofofteammates
glad
heHe
did,
all
the
way
until
he
became
the
Boothe
rink in Regina,
Saskatchewan,
heTHE
was
by one
the few players
bigger than he was. Boofelt a that
tug on
back of his jersey. It
On May Boogaard
13, his brothers
hethe
must.
coach tapped
onfound
the him dead
that he
would
do
a job
could not imagine.
geyman,
most gaard
fearsome
fighter,
OF
Anot
HOCKEY
ENFORCER
had never
seenahim before.
He
did
know
histhey
name.
s time. the N.H.L.’s
an
accidental
overdose
in
his
Opportunity
and
shoulder. Boogaard knew whatMinneapol
caricature
of a flicked
hockeythe
goon
rising
nearly
7 the player said.
“I’m
going
toobligation
kill you,”
apartment. Boogaard was 28. His ashes, tak
The players
padded
gloves
P A R T on1 Page 5
Continued
eettheir
in his
skates.
had They
collided,
thethe
way
they can in
it meant.
ing upHe
twoclambered
boxes insteadover
of thethe
usual one, re
m
hands.
removed
helmets
A Boy Learns
To Brawl
D
D
D
A Boy Learns
To Brawl
The scrimmage began. A coach tapped
Over six seasons in the N.H.L., Boogaard
accrued
three goals
589
minutesat
in penalthe shoulder.
hockey.
waist-high
wall
and
the ice.
in aandcabinet
hisonto
mother’s
house in Regin
m their heads.
They raisedBoogaard
their onfists
and Boogaard knew
PUNCHED OUT
ties and a contract paying him $1.6 million a
what it meant. He clambered over the waistHis
brain,
however,
was
removed
led each other. His
Theyfather
knewhigh
the
choreograyear.
wall
and
onto
the
ice.
bought
a
program
He
felt
a
tug
on
the
back
of
his before th
THE LIFE AND DEATH
He felt a tug on the back of his jersey. It
On May 13, his brothers found him dead of
cremation
so
that
it
could
be
examined
by sc
that precedes the violence.was time.
an accidental
overdose in his Minneapolis
JOHN BRANCH
the night before.
Boogaard
scanned
the
jersey. It
was
time.Boogaard
grettable.
Likeroster,
so By
many
boys,
Booapartment.
was 28. His ashes, takflicked the padded
gloves
entists.
Boogaard took a swing with The
hisplayers
long right
P A RCanadian
T 1
ing up two
boxes
instead
of he
the usual
one, rest
from their hands.EREK
They removed
the helmets
BOOGAARD
was
scared.
did notthe
know
whom
heHockey
would
fight,
just
that
must.
checking
and
weights.
He
later
recalled
The players
flicked
the
padded
gloves
from about th
gaard
wanted
toHereach
National
Boogaard
rarely
complained
m. His fist smacked
theheights
opponent’s
face
and
in a cabinet
at his mother’s
house
in Regina.
from their heads.
They
raised their
fists and
Opportunity
and
obligation
had
collided,
the
way
they
can
in
hockey.
His
brain,
however,
was
removed
before
the
circled each other.
They knew the
choreograLeague
on
the
glory
of
goals.
That
dream
endtoll
—
the
crumpled
and
broken
ke his nose.
Coaches
and
scouts
laughed
that he barelyphyslept.
their
hands.
They
removed
theby scihelmets from hands, th
cremation
so that
it could be examined
that precedes the violence.
His fatherhis
bought
a program
the
night
before.
Boogaard
scanned
the
checking
heights
grettable.
Like
so many
Canadian
boys,
Booearly,
it usually
does,
and
no one
had
to roster,
entists.
Boogaard took a swing with ed
long
right as
aching
back
and
the
concussions that nobod
hey congratulated
Boogaard.
A trainer arm.
in the
dressing
room
scouttheir
They
theirabout
fists
wanted
to reach the
Nationalheads.
Hockey
Boogaardraised
rarely complained
the and circled
His
fistweights.
smacked the
faceoffered
and
and
Heopponent’s
later
recalled
that gaard
he barely
slept.
tell
him.
cared
count.
those who believe Bo
He was 16.
League on the glory of goals. That dream endtoll — the crumpled
andto
broken
hands, But
the
broke his nose. Coaches and scouts
laughed
A trainer Boogaard.
in the
dressing
room
offered
scouting
Boogaard
taped
his
in concussions
thethe
hallway
ofnobody
ed early,in
as
itthe
usuallyreports.
does,
andaAs
no
one
had toside
As
Boogaard
taped
his
stick
each
other.
They
knew
choreography
that He love
aching
backstick
and
the
that
as they
congratulated
But
big-time
hockey
has
unique
engaard
loved
to
fight
have it wrong.
Boogaarding
wasreports.
exhilarated,
exhausted,
retell him.
cared
to
count.
But
those
who
believe
BooHe
was
16.
the rink in Regina, Saskatchewan, he was
approached
by aone
of the
few
players bigger than he was. BooBut big-time
has
unique
side
en-the
trance.
could
his
way
there
gaard
loved towhat
fight have
wrong. He loved
of the
rink
inwasRegina,
Saskatchewan,
hehockeyfight
precedes
violence.
it itbrought:
a continuation of an unlike
Boogaard
exhilarated,
re-Boogaard
ed. Maybehallway
the fear was
extinguished,
but
it exhausted,
trance.
Boogaard
fight his way there
what it brought: a continuation of an unlikely
had
never
seen him before.
did not
knowcould
his name.
lieved.gaard
the fear
was extinguished,
but it He
with
bare
knuckles,
stick
dropped,
the
career.
And
loved
what it mean
aysJOANNE
came back,
like
the flame
ofMaybe
a trick
canBOOGAARD,
Derek’s
mother
with his
bare
knuckles,his
his stick
dropped,
the
hockey
career.hockey
And
he loved
what
it meant:
always
came
back,
like
the
flame
of afew
trickhis
can-players
was
approached
by
one
of
the
bigBoogaard
took
a swing
with
hishelong
right
“I’m
going
to kill
you,”
the
player
said.
vengeance
against
a lifetime of against
perceived a lifetime of perceive
game
paused
and
the
crowd
on
its
feet.
And
dle.
One
fight
ended,
another
awaited.
It
was
a
vengeance
game
paused
and
the
crowd
on
its
feet.
And
One fight ended, another awaited.
It
was
a
doubters
and the gratitude
of teammates
glad
he
did, all the
way until he
became His
the Boo-fist
cycle that
commanded the rest
of his life.
ger than he was.
Boogaard
had
never
seen
him
arm.
smacked
the
opponent’s
face
Over
seasons
the
N.H.L.,
Boogaard
The
scrimmage
began.
A the
coach
tapped
doubters
and
the gratitude
of and
teammates gla
that
hesix
would
do
ain
job
they
could
not imagine.
he
did,
all geyman,
the way
untilmosthefearsome
became
Boole that commanded the rest of There
his
life.
the N.H.L.’s
fighter,the
a
is no
athlete quite
like
hockey
Boogaard
on
the
shoulder.
Boogaard
knew caricature of a hockey goon rising nearly 7 accrued three goals and 589 minutes in penalenforcer,
a
man
and
a
role
viewed
alternately
P
U
N
C
H
E
D
O
U
T
before.
didaslike
not
know
his
name.
broke
his
nose.
Coaches
and
scouts
laughed
as
that
he
would
do
a
job
they
could
not imagine
geyman,
the
N.H.L.’s
most
fearsome
fighter,
a
ties
and
a
contract
paying
him
$1.6
million
a
what
it
meant.
He
clambered
over
the
waistThere is no
athleteHe
quite
the
hockey
Continued
on
Page
5
noble and barbaric, necessary and refeet in his skates.
year.
high wall and onto the ice.
THE LIFE AND DEATH
orcer, a man and a role viewed alternately
7
He felt a tug on the backcaricature
of his jersey. It of a hockey goon rising nearly
On May
13, his brothers found him dead of
was time.
an accidental overdose in his Minneapolis
Continued
on Page 5
noble and barbaric, necessary
ingloves
his skates.
BOOGAARD
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPH
apartment. Boogaard was 28. His ashes,
takTheand
players reflicked thefeet
padded
PART 1
A Boy Learns
To Brawl
D
D
o fight. He knew that. He would always be:
K. It’s my job now. It’s what I’m doing.” ’
from their hands. They removed the helmets
ing up two boxes instead of the usual one, rest
A Boy Learns
To Brawl
D
D
By JOHN BRANCH
EREK BOOGAARD was scared. He did not know whom he would fight,
just that he must.
MARCUS YAM FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES
The plains outside Melfort, Saskatchewan, Derek Boogaard’s home for several years of his boyhood and the place he was discovered by hockey scouts.
Opportunity
and
obligation
had
collided,and
thethe
way
they
hockey.
MARCUS
YAM for
FOR
NEW YORK
TIMESof his boyhood and th
The plains
outside
Melfort,
Saskatchewan,
Derek
Boogaard’s
home
several
years
n, Derek Boogaard’s
home
for several
years
of his
boyhood
place
hecan
wasindiscovered
byTHE
hockey
scouts.
ogaard’s home for several
years ofbought
his boyhood
and the
was discovered
hockey scouts.
His father
a program
theplace
nighthebefore.
Boogaardbyscanned
the roster, checking heights
A Boy Learns to Brawl
and weights. He later recalled that he barely slept.
A trainer in the dressing room offered scouting reports. As Boogaard taped his stick in the hallway of
they
congratulated Boogaard.
accrued three goals and 589 minutes in penalthe rink in Regina, Saskatchewan, he was approached by one of the few players bigger than he was. BooDerek million
Boogaard loved
katchewan, population 500, when
He
was
16.
ties and a contract paying him hockey.
$1.6
a that part of
From First
Sportshad
Page neverDerek
washim
born. After
a coupleHe
of years
gaard
seen
before.
did not know
his name.
Hudson Bay
BRIT
BRI
T
TISH
TIS
I
H
near
Toronto,
the
family
moved
to
HerBoogaard was
exhilarated, exhausted,
reyear.
SAS
ASKAT
KATCHE
KAT
C WAN
CH
O UM
OL
UMB
MBIA
A
He did not acknowledge the damage
A Memorable Night in Melfort
bert, Saskatchewan, a town of fewer
“I’m
going
killfear
you,”
the
player
said. COL
MAN
ANITOBA
A
to his brain, the
changes
in Maybe
his
person- to
AL ERT
ERTA
A
than 1,000
people,
predominantly
Menlieved.
the
was
extinguished,
but itALB
On May
13, his brothers found
him
dead has about
Melfort,
Saskatchewan,
Saskatoon,
A
Boy
Learns
to
Br
oy
Learns
to
Brawl
Learns to Brawl
ality, even the addictions that ultimatenonite. Whether Len Boogaard was isborn 1982
5,000 residents. It is surrounded by hoPrince
CA
AN ADA
ly killed him in the prime of his career.
suing traffic tickets or investigating dorizons
of flat, windswept
fields, covered
Melfort, 11-16
Over six seasons in the
N.H.L.,
Boogaard
The
scrimmage
began.
A coachkatchewan,
tapped
George,
If
he
did
recognize
the
toll,
he
dismestic
disturbances,
the
grievances
population
500,
when
in
grain in the summer
and that
snow in part
the
Derek
Boogaard
loved
500,
when
17-19
missed it as theBoogaard
mere cost of on
getting
ev-shoulder.
accrued
three
goals
and
589
minutes
in
penalthe
Boogaard
knew
“would ultimately
come
back to the
Hanley,
0-3 years old
winter,
crosshatched
every
few miles
ON
ONT
ARI
RIO
O
First Sports Pagekids at some point,” Derek
was
born.
After
a
couple
of
years
hockey.
uple
ofFrom
years
erything
he
ever
wanted.
he
said.
Derek
loved
part
ofa under the
by two-lane
It rests
ties
and aBoogaard
contract paying
himthat
$1.6roads.
million
what it meant. He clambered over the waistHudson Bay
No one was more
affected
than the family moved
BRIT
BRI
TI H
TISH
TIS
Herbert, 6-11
dome of an impossibly wide sky,
BRIT
BRI
TI Hice.
TISH
TIS
near
Toronto,
to HerRegina, 16-17
oved
to Heryear.
high
and
onto
the
hockey.
SAS
ASKAT
KATCHE
KAT
C by WAN
CH
SAS
ASKAT
KATCHE
KAT
Ctrying
CH
WAN
The Biggest
Kid, wall
but No
Bully
Derek, who spent a childhood
to
THE
LIFE
AND
DEATH
Hudson
Bay
pierced
the
occasional
COL
O UM
OL
UMB
MOn
BIA
AMay 13, his brothers found him dead of water tower
COL
Othat
OL
UMB
UM
Mthe
Bfit
IA
Adamage
HeThere
didfewer
not
acknowledge
the
a tug
on
back
his jersey.
ItSaskatchewan,
bert,
a town of fewer
wn
of
in.
The of
biggest
kid
in class,
shy and
BRIT
TI He
TISH
TIS
Hasfelt
wereBRI
times,
a boy,
or silo.
SAS
ASKAT
KATCHE
KAT
C
CH
WAN
OF
A
HOCKEY
ENFORCER
MAN
ANITOBA
without
many
friends,
Boogaard
was
MAN
ANITOBA
A
an accidental
overdose
in
Minneapolis
Derekbrain,
Boogaard’s
skates
riv- his personThehis
Boogaards
and
their Afour chilhis
the
AL ERT
ALB
ERTA
A
AL ERT
ALB
ERTA
A than 1,000 people,
predominantly
MenCOL
Owas
OL
UMB
UM
Mtime.
Bchanges
IA
A broke, the in
nantly
MenMelfort,
Saskatchewan,
has
ab
Saskatoon,
Saskatoon,
often
tagged
as
a
troublemaker
and
disets attaching the blades
giving
way
undren
arrived
in 1993,
when
Derek
apartment.
Boogaard
was
28.
His
ashes,
takThe
players
flicked
the
padded
gloves
P A R T was
1
Stroud, 4-6
MAN
ANITOBA
Aschool
ity,
that
ultimatenonite.
Whether
Len Boogaard
ismissed as a distraction.
A grade
aard
isborn
1982
AL
ALB
ERTA
ERT
AThey
der even
hiswas
heft.the
His addictions
awkward
size
and
turned
11,has
moving
into a split-level
born
1982
5,000
residents.
It
is
surrounded
by
Melfort,
Saskatchewan,
about
ing
up
two
boxes
instead
of
the
usual
one,
rest
from
their
hands.
removed
the
helmets
Saskatoon,
teacher,
the family said, routinely relemovement
led
to teases
from Prince
teamhouse at 316 Churchill Drive.
Prince
C AThere
NAD
killed
him
in
the
prime
ofThey
his
career.
A N A DA
suing
tickets orCinvestigating
dostigating
doin a residents.
cabinet atrizons
hisItmother’s
in by
Regina.
flat,
windswept
fields,
cove
from
their
raised
theirto fists
andtraffic
born
1982
gated
Boogaard
a closet.
UNITED S
ST
T AT E S
mates and taunts
from
fans.heads.
He heard
5,000
isofsurrounded
howere house
hockey
games
the
street, wresMelfort
, in11-16
Melfort, 11-16
George,
George,
he
did Prince
recognize
the
toll,
he
disBoogaard
had
a
restless,
inquisitive
mestic
disturbances,
the
grievances
grievances
the
whispers
ofcircled
parents saying
that
this
tling
matches
on the front
video
His brain, however,
wasin
removed
before
the lawn,
each other. They knew the choreogra- C A N A DA 200 MILES
grain
the
summer
and
snow
in
rizons
windswept
fields,
covered
17-19 of flat, in
17-19
mind, butevstruggled
to follow
directions.
oversizeitboy
—phy
too that
big, too
clumsy
—
games
in the basement
and family dinMelfort
, 11-16
issed
the
mere
cost
of
getting
cremation so that
it could
be examined
byevery
sciGeorge,
precedes
the
violence.
“would
ultimately
backONT
toARI
the
back
toas
the
Hanley,
0-3
years
oldfew
0-3 yearscome
old
He labored through
readingHanley,
assignwinter,
crosshatched
m
had no rightful
place on the team.
ners
around
a
cramped
kitchen
table.
ON
RIO
O
THE
NEW
YORK
TIMES
in
grain
in
the
summer
and
snow
in
the
grettable. Like so many Canadian boys, Booentists.
Boogaard
long
right
he17-19
everfully
wanted.
ments.with
On anhis
application
for
hockey
kids
at asome
point,” he
said.
“It roads.
seemed soIt
small
because
they
Boogaard
never
escapedtook
such a swing
.ything
At
age
17, Boogaard
had lived Hockey
in a half-dozen
Canadian
towns.
by
two-lane
rests
under
Hanley,
0-3the
years
oldgaard
winter,
crosshatched
every
few
miles
wanted
to
reach
the
National
ON
ONT
ARI
RIO
O
team
in
ninth
grade,
Boogaards
Boogaard
rarely
complained
about
the
arm.
His
fist
smacked
the
opponent’s
face
and
were all so big,” said Folden, who beindignities. But there was one place
one
was16-17
than
fected
than
Herbert
said and
that
Derek
had
anNo
average
grade
Herbert
, 6-11
dome
ofcame
ana teammate
impossibly
and
friendwide
of Boo- s
League
onmore
the gloryaffected
of goals. That
dream end- bytolltwo-lane
where he could
reliablyhis
get away.
Regina,
16-17
Regina,
— the crumpled
and
broken
hands,
the
roads., 6-11
It
rests
under
the
broke
nose. Coaches
scouts
laughed
of 65 percent. TheyDerek,
also notedwho
that hespent a childhood trying to
gaard’s after their schoolyard fight.
hockey
in
western
Canada
is
a
oodYouth
trying
to
ed early,
as itbroke,
usually
does,collapsed
and no and
one hadThat
to isdome
aching
back
and
the
concussions
that
nobody
as
they
congratulated
Boogaard.
pierced
by
the
occasional
water
tow
why,
after
a
separation
from
springs
the
frame
Herbert
,
6-11
of
an
impossibly
wide
sky,
was
6
feet
4
inches
and
210
pounds.
Regina, 16-17
They were rough-and-tumble days,
perpetual series of long drives across
him.
fit in.
Thetell
biggest
kid hit
inthe
class,
Len Boogaard
whentoDerek
was
16,
shethose
Boogaard
groundshy
with and
a thud,
cared
count.
But
believe
ass,
shy
and
He
was
16.as a boy,
He was
hardly a bully.
Paradoxically,
There
were
times,
that
and who
even
Krysten
—Boothe youngest, on
dark and
icy
landscapes.
For Boogaard,
or
silo.
pierced
by
the
occasional
water
tower
bruising
his ribs.
took
secondloved
mortgage
on the
he was picked
on without
largelyrebecause
he But
big-time
hockey
has a unique
en-out agaard
to 6 feetHe
5 —loved
was pulled into the
to fight
haveheritway
wrong.
that often
meant
shotgun was
inbroke,
hisexhilarated,
Boogaard
exhausted,
many
friends,
Boogaard
was side
oogaard
wasriding
erek
Boogaard’s
skates
the
rivThe
and
their
house, to
sports her
chil- Boogaards
“There were some cognitive issues
orfinance
silo.itthebrought:
was
so big.
At age 11, after another trance.
famscrums. “Cage
raging”
began four
in ele- c
father’s police car.
Boogaard
could
fight
his
way there
what
a
continuation
of
an
unlikely
lieved.
Maybe
the
fear
was
extinguished,
but
it
dren
played.
It
is
why
Len
Boogaard
reand
behavioral
issues
that
made
it
diffioften
tagged
as
a
troublemaker
and
disily
move,
he
was
quickly
challenged
to
aker
andstopping
dis-theafter
mentary
school
andchilcontinued
in hocks attaching
blades
giving
way
unIt meant
school for
gas
dren
arrived
in
1993,
when
De
The
Boogaards
and
their
four
with his
bare
knuckles,
stick dropped,
the
hockey
And
he loved
whatrooms
it meant:
always
camedusk
back,
flame offight
a trick
cult,
as well,
trying to his
understand
what
peatedly
Derekcareer.
90 minutes
each
schoolyard
by cana boy named
ey dressing
as teenagers.
Stroud
, 4-6 drove
and a Slurpee
as the winter
set-likeathe
missed
asgame
a distraction.
grade
grade
er
his school
heft.
His
awkward
size
and
he was doing
sometimes,”
Lenits
Boofor skating
lessons,
turned
11,“It’s
moving
into
split-le
Evan Folden,
who It
considered
vengeance
against
lifetime
of perceived
paused
and A
the
crowdschool
on
feet.way
Andto Saskatoon
One fight
ended,
awaited.
was a himself
dren
arrived
in a1993,
when
Derek
where
you
put youragloves
and
tled early on dle.
the prairie.
It meant
a another
gaard said.
“Heroutinely
would do, stuff
and he
lessons to teach
him
be a
Stroud
king
theof
school
jocks.
teacher, the
family
said,
relehelmet
and just goglad
at itDrive.
like a hockey
utinely
relepostgame meal
of rink
thefrom
ovement
led
to
teases
teamdoubters
thetogratitude
of teammates
he did,
all the
way
until
he 4-6
became
the then
Boo-boxing
cycle
thatburgers,
commanded
the of
rest
his life.
house
atinto
316
Th
turned
11,andmoving
aonChurchill
split-level
wouldn’t appear to know the consebetter fighter
on the ice.
Boogaard won his first fight. He
fight and the loser is the one on the
snack-stand staple that warmed the
gated
Boogaard
to
a
closet.
that he
would
dosmoldera jobhockey
they
could
not
imagine.
geyman,
the
N.H.L.’s
most
fearsome
fighter,
a
There
is
no
athlete
quite
like
the
hockey
U
N
I
T
E
D
ST
S
T
AT
E
S
ates
and
taunts
from
fans.
He
heard
quences
of
what
he
was
doing
—
or
why
U
N
I
T
E
D
ST
S
T
AT
E
S
Len
Boogaard,
a
quiet
man
were
games
in
the
street,
wr
bloodied
Folden’s
nose.
ground,”
Boogaard
wrote.
“This
is
house at 316 Churchill Drive. There
belly against the bitter cold. It meant a
he was
doing
it, whatinquisitive
sort of rising
impact itnearly
ing with
enforcer,
a man
and a role
viewed
alternately
caricature
a hockey
goon
7 a cop’s intensity, sometimes
He was
continually
targeted
by older
where you
kinda
learn
how tolawn,
punch.” vid
Boogaard
had
aofrestless,
usually tuned
hockey
— maybe
s,eradio
inquisitive
whispers
of toparents
saying
that
this
tling
matches
on
the
front
U
N
I
T
E
D
ST
S
T
AT
E
S
were
hockey
games
in
the
street,
wreswould
have
on
him
or
other
people
saw that his
needed a boost.
So he on Page
Continued
5 grade, Boogaard had an asand challenged
byreclassmates
In eighth
200son
MILES
Toronto Maple
Leafs, Derek’s
faas noble
and 200
barbaric,
and
feet in his
skates.
MILESkids necessary
mind,
but
to follow directions.
around him.”
wthe
directions.
would pull
into an
icy parking
lot and
versize
boy
big,
too
clumsy
wanting to—
build a reputation.
Evenstruggled
his
games
the basement
and
signment:
Describe
what
youfamily
want to d
vorite
team,
or —
the too
hometown
junior
tling
matches
on
theinfront
lawn,
video
The
family
was
determined
to
prospin
the
police
car
in
a
dizzying
series
younger
brother
Ryan
and
Ryan’s
pos200
MILES
do
for
a
living.
He wrote that he wanted
league
team, the place
Melfort on
Mustangs.
He labored through
reading assignding
assignad
no rightful
the team.
ners
around
a cramped
kitchen
table
THE NEW
YORKgames
TIMESOr hein
vide positive reinforcement. Hockey
thepark
basement
dinof doughnuts.
would
at the
se of friends ganged up on him, like Lilto and
play infamily
the N.H.L.,
envisioning himAnd it meant falling asleep in the dark
for
a
hockey
was one way.
edge of a pasture and moo at the
cowsseemed
for
hockey
liputians
on Gulliver.ments. On an application
Boogaard
never
fullyby escaped
such
self
among
the
class
of
gritty
players
“It
so
small
because
th
of aawinter’s
night,
awakened
the
ners
around
a
cramped
kitchen
table.
THE NEW
YORK
TIMES
“It’s something
that he
really
enthrough the loudspeaker. Or, with the
The family feared
for Boogaard’s
with scoring punch, like his hero, Wenwarm
light of the
familythere
garage. was one
team
inwithout
ninth joyed
grade,
the
Boogaards
edignities.
Boogaards
But
place
were
all
so
big,”
said
Folden,
who
to
do,”
Joanne
Boogaard
said.
back
seat
filled
with
boys,
he
would
“It
seemed
so
small
because
they
safety
because
he
often
acted
del
Clark,
who
grew
up
in
Saskatche“I think the best part of playing hockbecause
struggled so
much in
said that
Derek“And
had
an he
average
grade
shout for them to look up before
hittinga teammate
erage
grade
considering the outcome.
He once
and became
captain
of the Toronto
here
could
get
away.
ey for he
ages
3 until 16reliably
was the little
road
came
and
friend
of B
were
all the
sosmiling
big,”
said wan
Folden,
who
beschool, we bent over backwards to give
the brakes,
smashing
faces
moved a friend’s new
trampoline
close They
Maple Leafs.
trips
with
dad,”he
Boogaard handwrote a
of
65
percent.
also
noted
that
he
oted
that
Youth
hockey
in
western
Canada
is
a
gaard’s
after
their
schoolyard
fight.
him
every
opportunity
that
you
could
into
the
clear
partition
and
sending
the
to the garage, climbed to the roof and
came a teammate and The
friend
Booteacher of
asked
Boogaard for an
few years ago, part of 16 pages of notes
That
isda
w
springs
broke,
the frame
collapsed
and
for him
to
do210
whatis
hewhy,
liked to do.”
That
after a separation
from
springs
broke,
the frame
collapsed
boys
into shrieks
of laughter.
6 feet The
4and
inches
and
pounds.
belly-flopped
onto was
the canvas.
alternaterough-and-tumble
plan.
Boogaard said
he did
pounds.
found in his series
New York of
apartment
erpetual
long after
drives
across
They
were
gaard’s
after their
schoolyard
fight.
not
have
one.
Their
ensuing
debate
his death.
Len
Boogaa
Boogaard
hit
the
ground
with
a
thud,
Len
Boogaard
when
Derek
was
16,
she
Boogaard
hit
the
ground
with
a
thud,
He
was
hardly
a
bully.
Paradoxically,
That
is
why,
after
a
separation
from
springs
broke,
the
frame
collapsed
and
aradoxically,
arkHeand
icy landscapes.
For Boogaard,
evenlanded
Krysten
—indays,
the youngest,
Boogaard
detention.
They wereand
rough-and-tumble
remembered
the blue and white
bruisingon
histhe
ribs. her way to “He
took
bruising
his ribs.
outDerek
a second
didn’t
a Plan
B,” Lenout
Boohe was
ontook
largely
because
Lenpicked
Boogaard
when
washe
16,mortgage
she
Boogaard
the
ground
with
a thud,
because
he
jerseys
of his
first hit
team.
He rememat
often
meant
riding
shotgun
in his
6 feet
5 have
— Awas
pulled
intoa
and
even
Krysten
—
the
youngest,
on
gaard
said.
“Plan
was
to play hockey.
bered his grandfather tapping
the glass were some cognitive
house,
“There
were
some
cognitive
issues
house,
to
finance
the
sports
her
chil“There
issues
was so
big.out
AtJOANNE
age
11,BOOGAARD,
after mortgage
another
fambruising
his
took
a second
on
the
another
famDerek’s
mother
ther’s
police
car.ribs. scoring
scrums.
“Cage
raging”
began to
in fe
There
was no
backup
plan.”
her way to 6 feet
5 — was
pulled
into the
to say hello.
He remembered
played
and
behavioral
issues
that
made
it
diffiAnd what
if hockey diddren
not work
out?
dren
played.
It
is
why
Len
Boogaard
reand
behavioral
issues
that
made
it
diffiily
move,
he
was
quickly
challenged
to
his
first
goal
—
against
his
own
goalie.
house,
to
finance
the
sports
her
chil“There
were
some
cognitive
issues
hallenged
to
mentary
school
andincontinued
in ho
It “Imeant
stopping after
school
for gas
scrums. “Cage
raging”
ele“I began
have no idea,”
his
father said. And
remember when I would
sit
the
cult,
as well,
tryingeytodressing
understand
what
peatedly dr
cult,
asinmom
well,
trying
todiffiunderstand
peatedly
drove
Derek 90
minutes
each
a schoolyard
fight
a Len
boy
named
drenwhat
played.
It
isby
why
Boogaard
rebehavioral
issues
that
made
it
neither
did anyone
else.
rooms
ashockteenagers.
ndboy
aand
Slurpee
aslook
the
winter
dusk
setbench
I named
would
always
for
my
mentary
school and continued
in
size, if notway
his skill,
he waslessons,
doing sometimes,” Boogaard’s
Len BootoproSas
he was doing sometimes,” Len Booway to Saskatoon for skating
always came back, like the flame of a trick canof an accidental overdose in his Minneapolis
dle. One fight ended, another awaited. ItPwas
a
Boogaard was 28. His ashes, taking
U N C H Eapartment.
D OUT
cycle that commanded the rest of his life.
up two boxes instead of the usual one, rest in
Memorable
Night
in Melfort
There is no athlete quite like the hockey en- a cabinet at his mother’s Ahouse
in Regina.
His
A
Memorable
Night
in
Melfort
forcer, a man and a role viewed alternately as
brain, however, was removed before the cremanoble and barbaric, necessary and regrettable. tion so that it could be examined by scientists.
Like so many Canadian boys, Boogaard wanted
Boogaard rarely complained about the toll
to reach the National Hockey League on the glo— the crumpled and broken hands, the aching
ry of goals. That dream ended early, as it usu- back and the concussions that nobody cared to
he Biggest
butand
Nono
Bully
allyKid,
does,
one had to tell him.
count. But those who believe Boogaard loved to
But big-time hockey has a unique side enfight have it wrong. He loved what it brought: a
trance. Boogaard could fight his way there with continuation of an unlikely hockey career. And
his bare knuckles, his stick dropped, the game he loved what it meant: vengeance against a
paused and the crowd on its feet. And he did, lifetime of perceived doubters and the gratitude
all the way until he became the Boogeyman, the
of teammates glad that he would do a job they
N.H.L.’s most fearsome fighter, a caricature of
could not imagine.
a hockey goon rising nearly 7 feet in his skates.
He did not acknowledge the damage to
Over six
seasons
in
the
N.H.L.,
Boogaard
his
brain,
changes
in Boogaard
his personality,
At age 17,
had livedeven
in a half-doze
At age 17, Boogaard had lived in a half-dozen Canadian the
towns.
At age 17, Boogaard had lived in a half-dozen Canadian towns.
‘I didn’t want him to fight. He knew that. He would always be:
“Oh, Mom, it’s O.K. It’s my job now. It’s what I’m doing.” ’
vnnd
mrd
his
—
ch
ce
sa
ss
rd,
his
as
eta
he
he
ta
be
faor
gs.
rk
he
kad
ea
es
er
te
mss
ng
.
he
m
rd
often tagged as a troublemaker and disStroud, 4-6
missed as a distraction. A grade school
teacher, the family said, routinely relethe
addictions
that ultimately killed him in the lyU tuned
toT AT
hockey
— maybe the Toronto Maple
gated
Boogaard
to a closet.
NITED S
ST
ES
Boogaard
had
a
restless,
inquisitive
prime of his career. If he did recognize
the toll,
Leafs, Derek’s favorite team, or the hometown
200 MILES
mind,
struggled toitfollow
directions.
hebut
dismissed
as the
mere cost of getting evjunior league team, the Melfort Mustangs. And
He labored through reading assignTIMES
erything
he ever wanted.
it meant falling asleep in the darkTHEofNEW
a YORK
winter’s
ments.
On an application
for a hockey
At age 17, Boogaard had lived in a half-dozen Canadian towns.
Biggest
Kid,
No Bully
teamThe
in ninth
grade,
the but
Boogaards
night, awakened by the warm light of the family
said thatThere
Derek had
an
average
grade
were times, as a boy, that Derek garage.
of 65 percent. They also noted that he
Boogaard’s
skates
broke, the rivets
“I thinkand
the best
part
of playing
hockey for
That
is why,
after a separation
from
springsattaching
broke, the frame collapsed
was 6 feet 4 inches and
210 pounds.
Len
Boogaard
when
Derek
was
16, she
Boogaard
hit
the
ground
with
a
thud,
way under his heft. His awk- ages 3 until 16 was the little road trips with
dad,”
Hethe
wasblades
hardly agiving
bully. Paradoxically,
bruising
his ribs.
took aout
a years
secondago,
mortgage
he was
picked
largely
because he
ward
sizeonand
movement
led to
teases
from Boogaard handwrote
few
part ofon16the
house, to finance the sports her chil“There were some cognitive issues
was teammates
so big. At age 11,
after
another
famand taunts from fans.
He
heard the
pages
of it
notes
his New
YorkLen
apartment
drenin
played.
It is why
Boogaard reand
behavioral
issues that
made
diffi- found
ily move, he was quickly challenged to
whispers
of
parents
saying
that
this
oversize
after
his
death.
cult,
as
well,
trying
to
understand
what
peatedly
drove
Derek
90
minutes each
a schoolyard fight by a boy named
he was
sometimes,”HeLen
Booway the
to Saskatoon
skating
lessons,
Evanboy
Folden,
whobig,
considered
himself— had
— too
too clumsy
no doing
rightful
remembered
blue andfor
white
jerseys
gaard said. “He would do stuff and he
then
boxing
lessons
to
teach
him
to be a
kingplace
of the school
jocks.
on the team.
of his first team. He remembered his grandfawouldn’t appear to know the consebetter fighter on the ice.
Boogaard
never fully escaped
such of
indignitapping
to say hello.
Heman
rememquences
what he wasther
doing
— or whythe glass
Len Boogaard,
a quiet
smolderbloodied Folden’s
nose.
he was
doing it,
sort of scoring
impact it hising
there was
oneby
place
he could
re-what bered
first
goal
— against
own
with
a cop’s
intensity,his
sometimes
Heties.
was But
continually
targeted
olderwhere
would
have
on
him
or
other
people
saw
that
his
son
needed
a
boost.
So he
kidsliably
and challenged
by
classmates
get away.
goalie.
around him.”
would pull into an icy parking lot and
wanting to
build
a
reputation.
Even
his
Youth hockey in western Canada
is a per“I remember
when I would sit in the bench I
The family
was determined
to prospin the police car in a dizzying series
younger brother Ryan and Ryan’s posdrives
across
dark
and icy
would always
my mom
dadpark
in the
vide
positive
reinforcement.
Hockeylook
offor
doughnuts.
Oror
hemy
would
at the
se ofpetual
friends series
ganged of
up long
on him,
like Lilwas one
way. ridof a pasture and moo at the cows
landscapes.
For Boogaard, that often
meant
stands,” Boogaardedge
wrote.
liputians
on Gulliver.
“It’s something that he really enthrough
the loudspeaker.
with the
The
feared
forfather’s
Boogaard’s
ingfamily
shotgun
in his
policejoyed
car.
Duringsaid.
the first
shift
of his firstOr,game,
to
do,”
Joanne
Boogaard
back
seat
filled
with
boys,
he
would
safety because he often acted without
It meant stopping after school
forbecause
gas and
Boogaard
skated
all the
one up
end,
alone,
“And
heastruggled
so much
in
shout
for way
them to
to look
before
hitting
considering the outcome. He once
school,
we on
bentthe
over backwards
to give
Slurpee
as the
dusk
settled
early
away from
the puck
thesmashing
other children,
looktheand
brakes,
the smiling
faces
moved
a friend’s
new winter
trampoline
close
him
every
opportunity
that
you
to the
garage,Itclimbed
roof and meal of rink burgprairie.
meanttoa the
postgame
ing for hiscould
family.into the clear partition and sending the
for him to do what he liked to do.”
boys into shrieks of laughter.
belly-flopped onto the canvas. The
ers, the snack-stand staple that warmed the belly against the bitter cold. It meant a radio usual-
“And he finally saw us,” his father, Len
Boogaard, said. “He had a big smile on his face
rst
to
nd
m-
er,
big
at
ne
ilrd,
nly
he
ston
olso
ot
his
ho
arnt,
as-
BRENT BRAATEN/PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
Bigger than teammates and opponents, Boogaard forged a role with his fists in Prince George.
T
dre
turn
hou
wer
tlin
gam
ner
“
wer
cam
gaa
T
and
her
scr
me
ey d
“
helm
figh
gro
whe
In
sign
do f
to p
self
wit
del
wan
Ma
T
alte
not
lan
“
gaa
The
A
“
neit
B
vid
tea
sho
in t
face
gaa
pin
His
F
talk
qui
cer
opp
“
not
Hal
my
run
give
alti
tha
by o
com
Der
team
ma
cost of getting eved.
17-19
“would ultimately come back to the
Hanley, 0-3 years old
winter, crosshatc
ON ARI
ONT
RIO
O
kids at some point,” he said.
by two-lane road
No one was more affected than
Herbert, 6-11
dome of an im
Regina, 16-17
but No Bully
Derek, who spent a childhood trying to
pierced by the o
katchewan,
population
500,
when
in. The
biggest kid
class, shy and
waving
at inus.”
as a boy,and
that hefitwas
or silo.
ho
born. After
coupleBoogaard
of yearswas
without
many afriends,
Hudson Bay
tes broke,Derek
the riv-was
The Boogaard
Derek
Boogaard
wasto born
on
BRIT
BRI
TI H
TISH
TIS
Toronto,
family
moved
Heroftenthe
tagged
as a troublemaker
and dises giving near
way undren arrived in
SAS
ASKAT
KATCHE
KAT
C WAN
CH
Stroud, 4-6
COL
O UM
OL
UMB
MBIA
A
missed
as a distraction.
grade
schoolof
mage
A
bert,
Saskatchewan,
a town
fewer
wkward size
and
June
23,
1982.
He
was Aof
the
first
turned 11, movi
MAN
ANITOBA
A
teacher,
the
family
said,
routinely
releases from
teamhouse at 316 Ch
sonAL
ALB
ERTA
ERT
A
than
1,000
people,
predominantly
MenSaskatoon,
four children
of toLen
and Joanne
gated Boogaard
a closet.
UNITED S
ST
T AT E S
m
fans. He
heard
were hockey gam
atenonite.
Whether
Lenhad
Boogaard
was
isborn 1982
5,
Boogaard
a restless,
inquisitive
ts saying that
this
tling matches on
Boogaard,
three
boys
then
a
girl,
Prince
C
A
N
A
DA
eer.
200 MILES
suing
traffic
tickets
or
investigating
domind, but struggled to follow directions.
ri
ig, too clumsy —
games
in
the
bas
Melfort, 11-16
George,
spaced
years
apart.
dismestic
disturbances,
the
grievances
Heevenly
labored two
through
reading
assignn
the team.
ners around a cra
THE NEW YORK TIMES
in
17-19
ments.
On an
application
for
hockeyof
glly
ev-escaped
“It seemed w
so
“would
ultimately
come
back
to a the
such Len
Hanley,
0-3
years old Canadian
Boogaard,
a
member
At
age
17,
Boogaard
had
lived
in
a
half-dozen
ON towns.
ONT
ARI
RIO
O
team
in ninth
grade, the Boogaards
were all so big,”
e was one
place
kids
at some
point,”
he said.
by
Canadian
Mounted
Posaid that
Derek had an
average grade
came a teamma
y get away. the Royal
No oneof 65
was
moreThey
affected
than
Herbert, 6-11
do
percent.
also noted
that he
Regina, 16-17
gaard’s after thei
stern Canada
is a mostly
lice,
worked
his
beats
in
yong
spent
childhood
That is why, after a separation from
springs broke, the frame collapsed and
was
6 feet a
4 inches
and 210trying
pounds.to
pi
They were ro
drivesDerek,
across who
Len Boogaard when Derek was 16, she
Boogaard hit the ground with a thud,
He was on
hardly
bully.
Paradoxically,
fit small
in. The towns
biggest
kid the
inaclass,
shy and
Saskatchewan
and even Kryste
es. For Boogaard,
that
or
took out a second mortgage on the
he wasfriends,
picked onBoogaard
largely because
her way to 6 feet 5
ng
shotgun
in
his many
without
was he a bruising his ribs.
rivprairie.
R.C.M.P.
policy
dictated
house, to finance the sports her chil“There were some cognitive issues
wasas
so a
big.
At age 11, after and
another
often tagged
troublemaker
dis-fam- and behavioral issues that made it diffi- dren played. It is why Len Boogaard re- scrums. “Cagedrr
unmove, he
wasyears
quickly challenged
to
move
every
few
so
that
fafter schoolmissed
for
gas as ily
Stroud, 4-6 mentary school a
distraction.
A grade
school
and
cult, as well, trying to understand what
peatedly drove Derek 90 minutes each
tu
aa schoolyard
fight
by a boy
named
dressing room
winter dusk setmiliarity
inFolden,
onesaid,
town
did not
breed he was doing sometimes,” Len Boo- way to Saskatoon for skating lessons, ey“It’s
teacher,
family
releEvan
whoroutinely
considered
himself
am- It meant
ho
where yo
airie.
a the
he
kingor
of the
jocks. It cast his gaard said. “He would doUstuff
gated
to
aschool
closet.
N I T Eand
D S
ST
T AT Ethen
S boxing lessons to teach him to be a helmet on and jus
ink burgers,
theBoogaard
eard
comfort
corruption.
w
wouldn’t appear to know the consebetter fighter on the ice.
Boogaard
won his inquisitive
first fight. He
fight and the los
hat
the
had those
a restless,
thiswarmedBoogaard
tl
quences
of
what
he
was
doing
—
or
why
family,
like
of
other
officers
Len
Boogaard,
a
quiet
man
smolderbloodied
Folden’s
nose.
200 MILES
ground,” Booga
meant abut struggled to follow directions.
yr cold.
— It mind,
ga
he
was
doing
it,
what
sort
of
impact
it
ing
with
a
cop’s
intensity,
sometimes
Hepart
was continually
targeted by older
where you kinda
hockey — maybe
are
of the
sprawling
Ca- would have on him or other people saw that his son needed a boost.
Hewho
labored
reading
So he
ne
THE NEW
YORK TIMES
kids through
and challenged
by assignclassmates
In eighth grade
eafs, Derek’s fahim.”
would pull into an icy parking lot and
ments.
Onwanting
an
application
for a hockey
nadian
carousel
small-town
law aroundAt
to buildofa reputation.
Even his
signment: Descr
uch
hometown
junior
age
17,
Boogaard
had
lived
in
a
half-dozen
Canadian
towns.
The family was determined to prospin the police car in a dizzying series
youngergrade,
brother the
RyanBoogaards
and Ryan’s posdo for a living. He
team
in ninth
elfort Mustangs.
w
lace
enforcement,
into roles
as perpetuvide positive reinforcement. Hockey
of doughnuts. Or he would park at the
se of friends
up on him,
like Lilto play in the N.
asleep in the
saiddark
that Derek
hadganged
an average
grade
ca
was
one
way.
edge of a pasture and moo at the cows
liputians on Gulliver.
al
outsiders.
self among the c
awakenedofby
65the
percent.
They
also
noted
that
he
ga
is
a
“It’s
something
that
he
really
enthrough
the
loudspeaker.
Or,
with
the
The
family
feared
for
Boogaard’s
with
scoring
pun
ly garage.
That
why,boys,
after
separation
from who g
springs
broke,
the frame
collapsed
The
Boogaards
lived
inwithout
Hanley,
SaskatchEvan
Folden,
whoseat
considered
himself
kingdelofClark,
was 6 feet
4 inches
and 210
pounds.
joyed
to
do,” Joanne
Boogaard
said. and
back
filledis with
hea would
ross
safety
because
he often
acted
rt
of playing hockBoogaard
16,and
she
hit the
ground
“And
because
he struggled
sowith
mucha jocks.
inthud,
shout Len
for them
to look upwhen
beforeDerek
hitting was
was considering
hardly
a bully.
Paradoxically,
the 500,
outcome.
He Derek
once Boogaard
wan
became
an
ewan,
population
when
was
born.
the school
ard,the littleHe
was
road
school, we
bent
over backwards to give
the brakes,
smashing
the smiling
faces
bruising
his
ribs.
took
out
a
second
mortgage
on
the
moved
a
friend’s
new
trampoline
close
Maple
Leafs.
he
was
picked
on
largely
because
he
aard
handwrote
a
he
his
After ato couple
ofclimbed
yearsto near
famBoogaard
won
his
fight.
Hesports
bloodied
him the
everywere
opportunity
you could
into
the
clear first
partition
and sending
the
theage
garage,
the famroofToronto,
and “There
Thechilteacher a
house,
to finance
the
her
some that
cognitive
issues
16 pages was
of notes
so big. At
11, after
another
sc
for
him
to
do
what
he
liked
to
do.”
boys
into
shrieks
of
laughter.
belly-flopped
onto
the
canvas.
The
alternate
k apartment
after
moved
to quickly
Herbert,
Saskatchewan,
a town ofissuesFolden’s
dren played. It is why Len Boogaard
re-plan.mB
and behavioral
that madenose.
it diffiilyily
move,
he was
challenged
to
gas
not have one. T
cult, as Mennowell, trying to understand
peatedly
drove Derek
90 minutes
each
a fewer
schoolyard
a boy predominantly
named
thanfight
1,000bypeople,
He waswhat
continually
targeted
by older
kids
ey
landed
Boogaard
esetblue and white
he
was
doing
sometimes,”
Len
Booway
to
Saskatoon
for
skating
lessons,
Evan
Folden,
who
considered
himself
“He
didn’t hav
eam.
nt
a He rememnite. Whether Len Boogaard was issuing
traffic
and
challenged
by
classmates
wanting
to
build
gaard said. “He would do stuff and he
gaard
said.
then boxing lessons to teach him
to be
a “Plan
king
of the school jocks.
tapping
glass
he
the the
tickets
or
investigating
domestic
disturbances,
reputation.
Evenbetter
his fighter
younger
brother
Ryan
There was no bac
wouldn’t
appear to aknow
the conseembered scoring
on the
ice.
fig
the
And what if hoc
t his own bloodied
goalie.
of what
— or posse
why of Len
the grievances
“would ultimately quences
come back
tohe was
anddoing
Ryan’s
friends
ganged
up man
on him,
Boogaard,
a quiet
smolderFolden’s nose.
gr
nt
a
“I
have
no
idea
I would sit in the
sort
of impact it on ing
with a cop’s intensity, sometimes
was
continually
w
neither did anyon
the
kids
at sometargeted
point,” by
he older
said. he was doing it, what
like
Lilliputians
Gulliver.
ybe
look for myHe
mom
would have on him or other people
saw that his son needed a boost.Boogaard’s
So he siz
kids and
challenged
by
classmates
tands,”
fa- Boogaard
No one was more affected around
than him.”
Derek,
The family feared
forpull
Boogaard’s
beroster spo
would
into an icy safety
parkingvided
lot and
wanting to build a reputation. Even his
si
nior
teams.
At 13,
who
spent
a
childhood
trying
to
fit
in.
The
bigcause
he
often
acted
without
considering
the
The
family
was
determined
to
proshift
of
his
first
spin
the
police
car
in
a
dizzying
series
younger
brother
Ryan
and
Ryan’s
posdo
ngs.
showed
Boogaar
ed all these
way
to kid in
vide positive
doughnuts.
Or he would
at the
gest
class,
andlike
without
many
friends,reinforcement.
of friends
ganged
upshy
on him,
Liloutcome. Hockey
He once of
moved
a friend’s
new park
tramto
dark
in the
back row,
rom the puck and
was one way.
edge
of
a
pasture
and
moo
at
the
cows
liputians
on
Gulliver.
face.
Two
years
sel
the
was often tagged as a troublemaker
poline close to the garage, climbed to the roof
oking for hisBoogaard
fam“It’s something that he really enthrough the loudspeaker. Or, gaard
with had
the beenw
The family feared for Boogaard’s
and dismissed as a distraction. Ajoyed
gradeto school
and
belly-flopped
The
springs
pin.would
He towered
do,” Joanne
Boogaard
said. onto
back the
seat canvas.
filled with
boys,
he
w
us,” hissafety
father, because he often acted without
de
ockHis
knees
ached f
“And
because
he
struggled
so
much
in
“He had
a
big
teacher,
the
family
said,
routinely
relegated
broke,
the
frame
collapsed
and
Boogaard
hit
the
shout
for
them
to
look
up
before
hitting
considering
the
outcome.
He
once
w
road
Floyd Halcro,
he was waving at
school, we bent over ground
backwards
to give
brakes, smashing
faces
moved
a friend’s
trampoline close
M
Boogaard
to new
a closet.
with
a thud,the
bruising
his ribs. the smiling
talk Boogaard
int
te a
him every opportunity that you could
into the clear partition and sending
the at ag
quit hockey
climbed
to
the
roof
and
otes
as born to
on the
Junegarage,
Boogaard had a restless, inquisitive
cognitive issues and befor him to mind,
do what he liked“There
to do.” were some
boys into shrieks of laughter. cerns, from pare
belly-flopped
onto the canvas. The
al
first of four
chilafter
opponents alike.
but
struggled
to
follow
directions.
He
labored
havioral
issues
that
made
it difficult, as well,
oanne Boogaard,
no
“He would ge
rl, spaced evenly
through reading assignments. On an application trying to understand what he was doing somehite
not, in any way,la
sh
Halcro
said.
“I’m
emfor
a
hockey
team
in
ninth
grade,
the
Boogaards
times,”
Len
Boogaard
said.
“He
would
do
stuff
member of the
my size would ta
ga
lassPolice, mostnted
said that Derek had an average grade of 65 perand he wouldn’t appear to know the conserun into his elbo
T
n small towns on
ring
give him a penalt
cent.
quences of what he was doing — or why he was
irie. R.C.M.P.
pol- They also noted that he was 6 feet 4 inches
ie.
alties because he
very few years
so 210 pounds.
doing it, what sort of impact it would havethat
onage. And he
thetown didand
ne
not
by other teams,ne
b
mom
uption. It cast his He was hardly a bully. Paradoxically, he was
him or other people around him.”
communities, sim
ther officers who
aard
Derek would cer
on largely because he was so big. At age
The family was determined to provide posivi
ing Canadianpicked
carteam, he would
law enforcement,
11,
after
another
family
move,
he
was
quickly
tive
reinforcement.
Hockey
was
one
way.
te
first
mates, but wasn’t
BRENT BRAATEN/PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN
outsiders.
to aBigger
schoolyard
fight by
boy named
“It’s
really
yd in
to Hanley,challenged
Sasthan teammates
andaopponents,
Boogaard forged
a rolesomething
with his fists inthat
Princehe
George.
and
am-
her,
big
g at
‘He didn’t have a Plan B. Plan A was to play hockey.
There was no backup plan.’
une
chilard,
LEN BOOGAARD, Derek’s father
enjoyed to Continuedsh
o
in
fa
ga
pi
H
ta
qu
ce
op
THE LIFE AND DEATH OF A HOCKEY ENFORCER
MARCUS YAM FOR
THE NEW YORK TIMES
Derek Boogaard wrote 16 pages of notes that detailed his life growing up as an aspiring hockey player — full of fear, frustration and fondness.
YAM fondness.
FOR
THE
TIMES
Derekup
Boogaard
wrote 16
pagesplayer
of notes
detailed
his lifeMARCUS
growing
up
asNEW
anYORK
aspiring
hockey player —
otes that detailed his life growing
as an aspiring
hockey
—that
full of
fear, frustration
and
t detailed his life growing up as an aspiring hockey player — full of fear, frustration and fondness.
A Boy Learns to Brawl
Boy
Learns to Br
LearnstoA
toBrawl
Brawl
yoyLearns
A Memorable Night in Melfort
do,” Joanne Boogaard said. “And because he
Melfort,
Saskatchewan, hasproudabout
5,000
struggled so much
in school, we bent over
backof how far he had made it.
leagues in Canada, the others based in
when he was 16. The unwritten rules
like that. He knew his job.”
From Preceding Page
“When
all
the
people
Ontario
and
Quebec.
In
many
regards,
were
well
established.
Boogaard’s
first
fight
was
the
oneresidents. punch
It isnose-breaking
surrounded
by horizons of flat,in Melfort said
wards to give him
every opportunity that
you
the W.H.L. is the toughest. Not only are
knockdown of the that I wasn’t any good,” Derek BooBoth players must agree to the chalThat is what made one particular epigaardin
later
wrote,
“he said I shoved it
stretched
milesto
apart
reigning
toughcovered
kid during Regina’s
Gloves are off. Until
a few years
windswept
fields,
in first
grain
the
sumcould
him
do what
he 1,500
liked
do.”lenge.
sode so memorable.
The for
old rink
at theto franchises
in some instances, making travel part of
team scrimmage. But Boogaard, seen up their [expletive] already.”
ago, helmets were removed as both a
corner of Stovel Avenue and Manitoba
The
next
team
also
had little use for
the
teenage
tribulation,
but
they
also
as
a
fighter,
not
a
player,
played
little
sign
of
toughness
and
consideration
to
mer and snow in the winter, crosshatched
every
Thataluminum
is why, after a separation from Len
Street, covered in pea-green
have produced some of hockey’s most
during the preseason. Finally, he was Boogaard. During a game at a tournathe unprotected knuckles of the comsiding, squats low next to Melfort’s
ment
in
Calgary,
Boogaard
notorious
enforcers
— from16,
Tonyin
Twist
told
he
would
oneroads.
night
in Moose
batants.
When
theHe
leagues
made
hel-job.”
few
miles
by
two-lane
Itunwritten
under
when
Derek
was
she
took
out
curling
club. Boogaard
Built
Main Arena
leagues
Canada,
the
others
based
in
when
heplay
was
16.proud
The
rules
like watched
that. H
ofrests
how
far
he
hadthe
made
it.
hers
based
in in 1931,
when
he
was
16. The
unwritten
rules
like
that.
knew
his
teammates take turns on the ice while
Colton Orr and
Jaw, against the Pats’ primary rival.
met removal illegal, players learned to
has low-hanging
fluorescent lights
From Preceding
Page and Stu Grimson to
Ontario
and
Quebec.
In
many
regards,
were
well
established.
he
sat,
unused,
on
the
bench.
Frustrated
Boogaar
“When
all
the
people
in
Melfort
s
any
regards,
were
well
established.
Boogaard’s
first
fight
was
the
oneSteve
MacIntyre.
Veteran
executives
delicately
remove
each
other’s
helmets
The
family
drove
four
hours
from
dome
sky,
pierced
byit.the
aandsecond
mortgage
on therules
house,
finance
orange-glow
proudwide
of how
far he
had made
edabove
in the ice
when
he washeaters
16. The unwritten
liketo
that.
He knew his
job.” of an impossibly
at being forgotten — or viewed as somerecall games wherethe
the W.H.L.
only way is
to the
before
the fight began
— aonly
concoction
of
aboveonly
three rows
of bleachers.
Melfort.
Ryan
Boogaard,
two years
toughest.
Not
are
punch
nose
Both
players
must
agree
to
the
chalthat
I
wasn’t
any
good,”
Derek
B
Not
are
punch
nose-breaking
knockdown
of
the
Both
players
must
agree
to
the
chalthing
less
than
a
hockey
player
—
he
fi“When
all
the
people
in
Melfort
said
ards,
were
well
established.
That
is what
made
one
particular
Boogaard’s
fight Players
was the
one-researched
stop
theepibrawls played.
was to shut off
Exactly
what
happened
that
winter’s
occasional
water
tower
or fighters,
silo. a nally turned to the coach.
the
sports
her
children
It theis
why
courtesy Len
and first
showmanship.
younger,
W.H.L.
franchises
stretched
1,500
apart
gaard
later
wrote,
“he said
I shove
reigning
to
lenge.
Gloves
are
off.
Until
few
years
night
beenBoth
left to the
rusty
arena
lights.
apart
knowingly
drifted tough
tomiles
the knockdown
center
of
the
brotherly
scouting
service
that
continreigning
kid
during
Regina’s
first
lenge.
Gloves
are
off.
Until
a few years
that
I wasn’t
anya“I’m
good,”
ode
Thememoold
rink
at
the
y miles
aresohasmemorable.
punch
nose-breaking
of
the
players
must
agree
to
the
chalgood, I Derek
canarplay,”BooBoogaard
ries of the fewBoogaard
dozen in attendance.repeatedly
This
The
and
their
four
children
Derek
minutes
The teamsdrove
are in
not some
affiliated
with90 rink.
Some,
like professional
wrestlers,
ued through Boogaard’s
career.
He
upremoved
their
[expletive]
instances,
making
travel
part
of Boogaards
team
ago,
helmets
were
as
travel
part
of Gloves
team
But
Boogaard,
seen
ago,
helmets
were
as both
cried.
“I’mboth
right already.”
here
in front
of you.”
gaard
later
wrote,
“he
said
Ia shoved
itscrim
orner
Stovel
Avenue
andoff.
Manitoba
apart
reigning
tough
kid
during
first
lenge.
are
Until
aremoved
few
years
much isof
clear:
Melfort
was
losing
badly,
warned
Boogaard
of a player
named
N.H.L.
teams,
so player
development
is a paused
to posescrimmage.
or
fix their
hair. Regina’s
later lashed
out
at the
in the
15-year-old
Derek
Boogaard
was
rived
in
1993,
when
Derek
turned
11,Healready.”
moving
into
each
totoughness
Saskatoon
for
skating
lessons,
then
The
team
also
had
little
use
the
teenage
tribulation,
but
they
also
ascoach
a fighte
Kevin
Lapp,
astheir
the league’s
No.consideration
2next
less a goal
than
profit.
Fighting,
ac-to
sign
of rated
toughness
and
to
The
of
theBut
scouts
that
winutandof
they
also
asreaction
a fighter,
notBoogaard,
a
player,
played
little
sign
of
and
consideration
up
[expletive]
treet,
covered
inway
pea-green
aluminum
art
scrimmage.
seen
ago,
as
both
a anteam
suddenly inside
thehelmets
other team’s were
bench, removed
fighter. Lapp was nearly 20. Boogaard hallway and quit. Joanne Boogaard
cepted and popular part of the game, is
ter’s night in Melfort made it clear what
Boogaard.
During
a
game
at
a
tour
have
produced
some
of
hockey’s
most
came
from
Saskatchewan
to
retrieve
during
the
the
unprotected
knuckles
of
the
comockey’s
most
during
the
preseason.
Finally,
he
was
the
unprotected
knuckles
of
the
comThe
next
team
also
had
little
use
for
swinging
away
at
opposing
players.
ding,
squats
low
next
to
Melfort’s
a split-level
at 316 Churchillhim.Drive.
There
boxing
lessonsand
to
teach
totobe aasbetter
fightalso
washouse
16.
a tofighter,
notBoogaard
a player,
little
seenconsideration
as a way tohim
attract fans.
sign
of toughness
expect
when
went toplayed
his
She drove him eight hours home.
“It felt like I had a force feild on me,”
ment
Boogaard
watc
Moments
into
Boogaard’s
firstleagues
shift,in Calgary,
Efforts
to leagues
ban fighting
in the N.H.L.
first told
W.H.L.
training
camp
in
Regina
in night
notorious
enforcers
—
from
Tony
Twist
told
he
wo
batants.
When
the
made
helm
Tony
Twist
he
would
play
one
in
Moose
batants.
When
the
made
helBoogaard.
During
a
game
at
a
tournaurling
club.
Built
in
1931,
Main
Arena
“For
your
son
to
cry
halfway
from
most
during
the preseason.
Finally,
he
was
the
knuckles
of the comBoogaard wrote.
(His
occawere
hockey
games
street,
wrestling
erunprotected
onnotes
thehad
ice.
Lapp asked
if he was in
ready.the
Boogaard
have long been stymied, in part by the
the fall. If Boogaard wanted
to advance
Calgary
to Regina,
to be
beside
him-w
take
turns
the
ice
and
Stu
toheagainst
Colton
Orr
and primary
Jaw,
agains
misspellings.)
met
removal
illegal,
players
learned
tojuston
ton
and
Jaw,
the
Pats’
rival.
inteammates
Calgary,
Boogaard
watched
assionalOrr
low-hanging
fluorescent
lights
met
removal
illegal,
players
learned
said
he was.
He ment
was not.
popularity
and
tradition
of
it in theGrimson
ju-to he
in hockey,
would
need
his fists.
Twist
told
would
play
one
night
in
Moose
batants.
When
the
leagues
made
helself
with, ‘Why in
doesthe
this have to hapPlayers scattered like
spooked
cats,
matches
ondelicately
the
front
lawn,
video
games
Len
Boogaard,
a quiet
man
he
sat,
unused,
on
bench.
Frustra
nior
and each
minor
leagues.
Web
sites
aresmoldering
He
heard
theteammates
older
players
intake
the
“He knew,”
Ripplinger
said.
“He wasfour
Steve
MacIntyre.
Veteran
executives
remove
each
other’s
The
turns
on the
the
ice said.
while
the
ice
heaters
nbove
executives
pen?’” helmets
Joanne
Boogaard
“All fam
he
other’s
TheHe
family
drove
hours
from
and
fleeing
over
the and
wall delicately
ororange-glow
through
the remove
Jaw,
against
Pats’
met
removal
illegal,
players
learned
to helmets
devoted
to the
spectacle, often
providback of the bus making fun of him on the wants to do is play. All he wanted was to
a smart guy.the
knew
he primary
wasn’t going rival.
at
being
forgotten
—
or
viewed
as som
open gates.
basement
and
family
dinners
around
a
cramped
with
a
cop’s
intensity,
sometimes
saw
that
his
recall
games
where
the
only
way
to
before
the
fight
began
—
a
concoction
of
he
sat,
unused,
on
the
bench.
Frustrated
Melfort.
R
bove
three
rows
of
bleachers.
only
way
to
before
the
fight
began
—
a
concoction
of
Melfort.
Ryan
two
ing blow-by-blow
descriptions, declar-The
wayfrom
home.
Theyears
next day, Boogaard was have his fair share, to show people.”
to be
good enough
to make
it Boogaard,
on skills
tives
delicately
remove
each
other’s
helmets
family
drove
four
hours
“He had gone ballistic,” Len Boothing
than
a
hockey
player
—
he
ing
winners and ranking
the
teenage
reassigned
to aat
lower-division
team less
in
alone,was
and he to
usedshut
his size to
his advanstop
the
brawls
off
the
Boogaard
thought
his
hockey
career
being
forgotten
—
or
viewed
as
someExactly
what
happened
that
winter’s
courtesy
and
showmanship.
Players
younger,
r
shut
off
the
courtesy
and
showmanship.
Players
younger,
researched
W.H.L.
fighters,
a
gaard
said.
“It
was
something
I
hadn’t
table.
son needed
a boost.
he would
into
icy Boogaard,
y to
before
the fight began
— aSo
concoction
of pull
Melfort.
two
years
fighters.
Regina.
tage. an
I Ryan
remember
him kitchen
at 16 years old,
was over.
His coach.
parents were divorcing.
seen has
before.”
nally
turned
to the
thing
less
than
hockey
player
—brotherly
he tofi-Regi- s
ight
been
left
tosentthe
rustyBoogaard
memoarena
lights.
knowingly
drifted
of
the
Len
Boogaard
told
his
sonto
he the
was a center
into this
culture
weights andscouting
boxing
and stuff
tostepped
the
center
ofyounger,
thea pushing
brotherly
service
that
continLen
Boogaard
was reassigned
the
courtesy
showmanship.
Players
researched
W.H.L.
fighters,
aso
Eventually
subdued knowingly
andand
toand
the drifted
“It
seemed
small
because
they
were
all
parking
lot
spin
the
police
car
in
dizzying
“I’m
good,
I
can
play,”
Booga
na,
the
provincial
Joanne
Boonally
turned
to
the
coach.
es
of
the
few
dozen
in
attendance.
This
dressing room,
Boogaard
re-emerged
in like professional
The
teams
areued
not
affiliated
with
rink.
Some,He
like professional wrestlers,capital.
ued
throu
filiated
with
rink.
Some,
wrestlers,
through
Boogaard’s
career.
knowingly
drifted
to
the
center
of
the
brotherly
scouting
service
that
contingaard,
a Regina
native,
moved
from
his street clothes.
He sidled
updoughnuts.
to his
so
big,”
said
Folden,
who
became
a
teammate
series
of
Or
he
would
park
at
the
cried.
“I’m
right
here
in
front
of
you.”
much
is
clear:
Melfort
was
losing
badly,
“I’m
good,
I
can
play,”
Boogaard
warned
N.H.L.
teams,
so
player
development
is
paused
to
pose
or
fix
their
hair.
Melfort, too. Derek Boogaard was fail-Bo
warnedBoogaard’s
Boogaard of
a player
velopment
iswhoSome,
paused
pose or fix their
hair.
seething father,
was
dressed
his
with
rink.
likeinto
professional
wrestlers,
ued through
career.
He named
inglashed
classes
atout
his new
high
school.
Thein
He
later
atyou.”
the
coach
police
uniform.
nd
15-year-old
Derek
Boogaard
was
cried.
“I’m
right
here
in
front
of
and
friend
of
Boogaard’s
after
their
schoolyard
edge
of
a
pasture
and
moo
at
the
cows
through
Kevin
Lapp
less
a
goal
than
profit.
Fighting,
an
acThe
reaction
of
the
scouts
winKevin
Lapp,
rated
as
the
league’s
No.
2
hting,
an
acThe
reaction
of the scouts that warned
winBoogaard of a player named
ent “Dad
is justpaused
to me
pose
familythat
worried
about the people he hung
kinda asked
whator
thefix their hair.
hallway
and
quit.
Joanne
Booga
uddenly
inside
other
team’s
bench,
later lashed
out
at the
coachfighter.
in the La
and
popular
part
ofLapp
the
game,
is
ter’s
night
inHe
Melfort
made around.
it
clear
what
[expletive]
are
doing?”
Boogaard
fighter.
wasleague’s
nearly
20.
isyou the
ter’s
night
made
it
clear
what
fight.
the
loudspeaker.
Or, with
the
back
seat
filled
Kevin
Lapp,
rated
as
the
No.Boogaard
2
nthe
ac-game,
The
reaction
of in
theMelfort
scouts
thatcepted
winJustSaskatchewan
16, he and two friends got
a
came
from
to into
retri
wrote. “Soaway
I stood by
for the rest of
winging
athim
opposing
players.
hallway
and
quit.
Joanne
Boogaard
was
seen
as
a
way
to
attract
fans.
to
expect
when
Boogaard
went
to
his
was
16.
s.
to
expect
when
Boogaard
went
to
his
fight
outside
a
bar.
Boogaard
later16.
wrote
fighter.
Lappup
was nearlyThey
20. Boogaard
me,theisgame.” ter’s
night
in Melfort
made it
clear what
were rough-and-tumble
days,
and
with
boys,
he
would
shout
for them
to look
him. Saskatchewan
She drove
him
eight
hours
home
“It
felt
like
I
had
a
force
feild
on
me,”
that
they
beat
up
seven
30-year-olds.
He
came
from
to
retrieve
Len
Boogaard
nodded
toward
the
few
Efforts
to in
ban
fighting
in the
N.H.L.
first first
W.H.L.
training camp came
in Regina
in a.m. withMoment
Moments
into
Boogaard’s
shift,
n unfamiliar
the N.H.L.
first
W.H.L.
trainingwent
camptoin
Regina
was
16.smiling
to
expect
when
Boogaard
his
home
atto
2:30cry
no shirt fr
faces
in the bleachers.
There
“For him
your
son
halfway
even
Krysten
—
the
youngest,
on
her
way
tohome.
6Lapp
before
hitting
the
smashing
the
oogaard
wrote.
(His
notes
hadbrakes,
occa-wanted
She drove
eight
hours
andto
hisadvance
body
splattered
in blood. aske
One
have
been
stymied,
inBoogaard’s
part
by was
the
the
fall.
Ifhim.
Boogaard
wanted
Lappinto
asked
if he
ready.
Boogaard
n.H.L.
part
byfirst
the
the
fall.
toinlong
advance
were about
10
scouts
from
teams
in If
theBoogaard
Moments
first
shift,
W.H.L.
training
camp
in
Regina
Calgary
to
Regina,
just
to
be
beside
h
eye
was
black
by
morning.
onal
misspellings.)
“For
your
son
cry halfway
from
Western Hockey
League,
a junior
5 ju—
was
pulled he
into
the
scrums.
“Cage
ragfaces
into
the
andLapp
sending
said
heBoowas
popularity
and tradition
of
it feet
in
the
in hockey,
would
need
histo
fists.
saidthe
he
was.
Heready.
was
not.
f it
in that
thethe
juin
hockey,
heclear
wouldpartition
need
his
fists.
By
the
fall
of
1999,
the
17-year-old
asked
if
he
was
Boogaard
y
the
fall.
If
Boogaard
wanted
to
advance
league
is
a
primary
gateway
to
the
self
with,gaard
‘Why
does
this
have
to
h
Players
scattered
like
spooked
cats,
Calgary
to
Regina,
just
to
be
beside
himhad
grown
a few moreHe
inches,
to
Among
them were
two
men
repWeb
sites
are players
hear
knew,”
said.
“He
was
Web
HeHeheard
the began
older
in theRipplinger
“He
knew,”
Ripplinger
said.and
“Heminor
was heleagues.
in“He
elementary
school
and
continued
boys
into
shrieks
ofhis
laughter.
said
was.
was ing”
not.
e N.H.L.
ju-sites
inare
hockey,
he
would
need
fists. nior
pen?’”
Joanne
Boogaard
said.
6-7. The this
Regina
Pats wanted
him
back“All
in
resenting
the Regina
— the
eeing
over
the Pats
wall
orchiefthrough
the
self
with,
‘Why
does
have
to
hapto the
spectacle,
often
the
a of
smart
guy.
he
wasn’t
going
providback of
the
bus
making
him on
theHe knew
training camp.
Desperateback
to proveof
himaandsmart
guy. He knew
hedevoted
wasn’t
going
scout,
Todd
Ripplinger,
the general
soften
aregates.
He
heard
the
older
playersfun
in
the
“He Derek
knew,”
Ripplinger
said.
“He
was part
in providhockey
dressing
rooms
as teenagers.
Boogaard
loved
that
of hockey.
wants
toBoogaard
do
is play.
All
he“All
wanted
wa
pen
pen?’”
Joanne
he
self, he foughtsaid.
teammates
12 times
in
manager,
Brent Parker.
ing
blow-by-blow
descriptions,
declarway
home.
to
be
good
enough
to
make
it
on
skills
ions,
declarway
home.
The
next
day,
Boogaard
was
to
be
good
enough
to
make
it
on
skills
ovidback of the bus making fun
of
him
on
the
a smart
guy.
Hejawsknew
wasn’t going
fourAll
scrimmages.
have
his
fair
share,
to
show
people.”
“All the
Western
League
scouts’
“He
had
gone
ballistic,”
LenheBoowants
to
do
is
play.
he
wanted
was
to
“It’s
where
you
put
your
gloves
and
helmet
Called
into
the
coach’s
office
one
day,
ing
winners
ranking thetoteenage
reassigned
alone, team
and heinused his size to his advanare down
like this,” Parker
said.
His he used his size
the
teenage
a lower-division
alone,
and
to his
advan-and reassigned
clarway home. The next day, Boogaard was have his fair
to be
good
enough toI make
Boogaard
thought
hisbehockey
car
aard
was
something
hadn’tit on skills
share,
show
he to
thought
he people.”
would
cut from the
mouthsaid.
fell open“It
at the
memory.
fighters.
Regina.
tage.19
himover.
at 16
years
old,
Regina.
tage.
I
remember
him
at
16
years
old,
team.
Instead,
he was told
he would
play
Derek
with
his
father,
Len, a Mountie.
of four siblings. Turning
day before was
nage
reassigned
toThea oldest
lower-division
team
inItheremember
alone,
and
he
used
his
size
to
his
advanRipplinger
and
Parker
scribbled
a
His
parents
were
divorc
een before.”
Boogaard
thought
his
hockey
career
that night
against
the Kelowna
Rockets.
note saying
that the Regina
Pats wanthe wasBoogaard
drafted
the Wild.
His mother,
Joanne,
keeps
ashes
herweights
home.
Len
stepped
intoBoogaard
this who
culture
and Boogaard
boxing
and
stuff
Len
toldDerek’s
hispushing
sonathe
was over.
this
culture
pushing
weights
boxing
andbystuff
Regina.
tage.
I remember
him to
at and
16 years
old,
Len
was
reassigned
toBoo
R
Eventually
subdued
and
the
Kelowna
featured
a 6-7 enforcer
was
His parents
were
divorcing.
ed to add Derek
Boogaard
to their
ros- sent
LEFT AND CENTER, BOOGAARD FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS; TOBIN FAMILY PHOTOGRAPH
ther team’s bench,
dosing
in players.
force feild on me,”
his
s notes had occahis
like spooked cats,
the
ll or through the
ard
allistic,”
Len Boot of
omething I hadn’t
ew
d and sent to the
ere
aard re-emerged in
e sidled up to his
the
was dressed in his
ior
the
sked me what the
epdoing?” Boogaard
ief
him for the rest of
ral
ded toward the few
e bleachers. There
ws
from teams in the
His
League, a junior
ary gateway to the
were
a two men repantPats — the chief
er, and the general
oser.
tor scouts’ jaws
eague
Parker said. His
the
ethe
memory.
arker scribbled a
hey
Regina Pats wantgaard to their rosway
the Hi-Lo Motor
elfort and used the
nydipthe note to the
lgary. Then they
ck to Regina.
oo- all the way
alked
ard
d never seen anyin our lives,” Ripst:
cepted and popular part of the game, is
seen as a way to attract fans.
Efforts to ban fighting in the N.H.L.
have long been stymied, in part by the
popularity and tradition of it in the junior and minor leagues. Web sites are
devoted to the spectacle, often providing blow-by-blow descriptions, declaring winners and ranking the teenage
fighters.
Boogaard stepped into this culture
ter’s night in Melfort made it clear what
to expect when Boogaard went to his
first W.H.L. training camp in Regina in
the fall. If Boogaard wanted to advance
in hockey, he would need his fists.
“He knew,” Ripplinger said. “He was
a smart guy. He knew he wasn’t going
to be good enough to make it on skills
alone, and he used his size to his advantage. I remember him at 16 years old,
pushing weights and boxing and stuff
fighter. Lapp was nearly 20. Boogaard
was 16.
Moments into Boogaard’s first shift,
Lapp asked if he was ready. Boogaard
said he was. He was not.
He heard the older players in the
back of the bus making fun of him on the
way home. The next day, Boogaard was
reassigned to a lower-division team in
Regina.
Len Boogaard told his son he was
Derek with his father, Len, a Mountie. The oldest of four siblings. Turning 19 the day before
he was drafted by the Wild. His mother, Joanne, who keeps Derek’s ashes at her home.
Derek with his father, Len, a Mountie. The oldest of four siblings. Turning 19 the day before
he was drafted by the Wild. His mother, Joanne, who keeps Derek’s ashes at her home.
ra-
ed to visit the Booays later. Boogaard
ust one request:
vide some extra-
ad outgrown his.
22
nd His Fists
ure:
The
key League has 22
estern Canada and
exnited States. The
for
20, have their exola small stipend for
d can earn scholesolleges.
of playing profesozroster of two doznal
ce to the National
L.,
in today’s N.H.L.,
nce
five players once
ne.Hockey League.
three top junior
ior
MARCUS
YAM FORYAM
THE NEW
TIMES
MARCUS
FOR YORK
THE NEW
YORK TIMES
‘He was a smart guy. He knew he wasn’t going to be good enough
came from na,
Sask
him. She drove
h
gaa
“For your Me
son
Calgary to Regin
ing
self with, ‘Why
famB
pen?’” Joanne
wants to do isaro
pla
have his fair shar
J
Boogaard figh
thou
was over. His p
tha
Len Boogaard
w
cam
na, the provincia
gaard, a Regina
and
Melfort, too. eye
Der
ing classes at hi
B
family worried ab
gaa
around.
Just 16, he6-7.
and
fight outside trai
a ba
that they beatself
up
came home at 2
fou
and his body sp
C
eye was black by
By the fall he
of 19
gaard had grown
tea
6-7. The Regina
thaP
training camp. D
self, he fought K
t
nam
four scrimmages
Called intovid
the
he thought he
ovew
team. Instead, he
gaa
that night agains
Kelowna key
feat
F
named Mitch Fri
vided the scoutin
The
overhand punch
wh
gaards of the vil
key Kong video g
Fritz won.Str
B
There is not mu
P
who loses fights.
wh
Strugglingriou
W
but
Prince Georg
sey
where Boogaard
rious to meetsew
its
but not quiteslee
pre
sey had to have
A
sewn to the botto
Geo
sleeves.
Gen
After his first
p
George Cougars
“
General Manage
you
“If you win a
said
you could run
T
said.
The local Citi
pap
Citizen, ran Boo
a fu
Boogaard with
The
The family name
nou
nounced “BOH
som
some were start
gua
guard.” Boogaar
into the characte
into
‘He was
a smart guy. He knew he wasn’t going to be good enough
to make it on skills alone, and he used his size to his advantage.’
to make it on skills alone,TODD
and
he used
his size to his advantage.’
RIPPLINGER,
hockey scout
TODD RIPPLINGER, hockey scout
on and just go at it like a hockey fight and the
loser is the one on the ground,” Boogaard wrote.
“This is where you kinda learn how to punch.”
In eighth grade, Boogaard had an assignment: Describe what you want to do for a living.
He wrote that he wanted to play in the N.H.L.,
envisioning himself among the class of gritty
players with scoring punch, like his hero, Wendel Clark, who grew up in Saskatchewan and
became captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The teacher asked Boogaard for an alternate plan. Boogaard said he did not have one.
Their ensuing debate landed Boogaard in detention.
“He didn’t have a Plan B,” Len Boogaard
said. “Plan A was to play hockey. There was no
backup plan.”
And what if hockey did not work out?
“I have no idea,” his father said. And neither
did anyone else.
Boogaard’s size, if not his skill, provided
roster spots on top-level youth teams. At 13, a
team photograph showed Boogaard among the
tall boys in the back row, with a round, cherub
face. Two years later, it was as if Boogaard had
been stretched by a rolling pin. He towered
over his teammates. His knees ached from the
growth spurt.
Floyd Halcro, a coach who helped talk
Boogaard into playing after he had quit hockey
at age 14, heard all the concerns, from parents of
teammates and opponents alike.
“He would get penalties that were not, in
any way, shape or form, his fault,” Halcro said.
“I’m 5 foot 9, and a little guy my size would take
a run at Derek and run into his elbow, and the
refs would give him a penalty. He got so many
penalties because he was 6 foot 3, 6 foot 4 at that
age. And he was actually picked on by other
teams, by other referees, other communities,
simply because of his size. Derek would certainly stick up for the team, he would stick up for his
teammates, but wasn’t mean at all.”
That is what made one particular episode
so memorable. The old rink at the corner of
Stovel Avenue and Manitoba Street, covered in
pea-green aluminum siding, squats low next to
Melfort’s curling club. Built in 1931, Main Arena
has low-hanging fluorescent lights above the
ice and orange-glow heaters above three rows
of bleachers.
Exactly what happened that winter’s night
has been left to the rusty memories of the few
dozen in attendance. This much is clear: Melfort was losing badly, and 15-year-old Derek
Boogaard was suddenly inside the other team’s
bench, swinging away at opposing players.
“It felt like I had a force feild on me,”
Boogaard wrote. (His notes had occasional misspellings.)
Players scattered like spooked cats, fleeing
over the wall or through the open gates.
“He had gone ballistic,” Len Boogaard said.
“It was something I hadn’t seen before.”
Eventually subdued and sent to the dressing room, Boogaard re-emerged in his street
clothes. He sidled up to his seething father, who
was dressed in his police uniform.
“Dad just kinda asked me what the [expletive] are you doing?” Boogaard wrote. “So I
stood by him for the rest of the game.”
Len Boogaard nodded toward the few unfamiliar faces in the bleachers. There were about
10 scouts from teams in the Western Hockey
League, a junior league that is a primary gateway to the N.H.L. Among them were two men
representing the Regina Pats — the chief scout,
Todd Ripplinger, and the general manager,
Brent Parker.
“All the Western League scouts’ jaws are
down like this,” Parker said. His mouth fell open
at the memory.
Ripplinger and Parker scribbled a note saying that the Regina Pats wanted to add Derek
Boogaard to their roster. They stopped at the
Hi-Lo Motor Inn on the edge of Melfort and used
the fax machine to send the note to the W.H.L.
office in Calgary. Then they drove three hours
back to Regina.
“Me and Brent talked all the way home
about how we’d never seen anything like that
before in our lives,” Ripplinger said.
Ripplinger arranged to visit the Boogaard
family a few days later. Boogaard sheepishly
made just one request: Could the Pats provide
some extra-large hockey shorts?
Derek Boogaard had outgrown his.
Learning His Future: His Fists
The Western Hockey League has 22 teams
flung across western Canada and the northwestern United States. The players, ages 16 to
20, have their expenses paid, receive a small stipend for spending money and can earn scholar-
YAM FOR
THE YORK
NEW YORK
TIMES
MARCUS YAM MARCUS
FOR THE
NEW
TIMES
Len Boogaard encouraged his son’s hockey career, enrolling him in boxing lessons as a teenager to improve his fighting skills.
is son’s hockey career, enrolling him
boxing lessons
as a teenager
improve
his fighting
Len in
Boogaard
encouraged
his son’s to
hockey
career,
enrollingskills.
him in boxing lessons as a teenager t
son’s hockey career, enrolling him in boxing lessons as a teenager to improve his fighting skills.
steak and slide it through that hole. Inhad the puck,” Boogaard wrote. “I back“His first year in the W.H.L., I think,
“Gaard!”
“It bothered me,” Joanne Boogaard
stead of losing weight, he gained about
it was mostly adjusting to his frame,
said. “I didn’t want him to fight. He
handed it into the net and the game was
He scored only once in 61 games for
25, 30 pounds that summer, while his
knew that. He would always be: ‘Oh,
not knowing how to use his reach,”
over. It was an unbelievable feeling. The
Prince George in 2000-1. He recorded
jaw
was
wired
shut.
It
was
incredible.”
Mom,
it’s
O.K.
It’s
my
job
now.
It’s
what
Ryan
Boogaard
said.
“I
think
he
felt
245
penalty
minutes,
eighth
in puck,”
guys
came
out of the
bench
and “I
theb
that
hole. In-me,” Joanne
had
the
Boogaard
wrote.
“His first
year in thesteak
W.H.L.,
think,
“Gaard!”
and Islide
it through
that hole. In“His
first
yearranking
in the
W.H.L.,
I think,
“Gaard!”
t bothered
Boogaard
The father laughed at the memory.
I’m doing.’”
more comfortable with that frame in his
the W.H.L. He was, finally, an enforcer,
was going nuts. It was the best
gained
about
ithim
was
adjusting
to of
his
frame,
handed
itplace
into
thethenet
thescored
game
He
scored
only
once
in
61 games
stead
losing
weight,
he
was
mostly
adjusting
his
frame,
. Prince
“I
didn’t
tomostly
fight.
He
He
“He’d
go
to McDonald’s
shove
George
is a city
of
80,000
second
year
ingained
the
W.H.L.,about
and
he did
a it appreciated
by one for
team,
feared
by to
all
feeling
I had
last and
2wrote.
years.”
at
hole.
In- want
had
the
puck,”
Boogaard
“I
bac
“His
first
year
in
the
W.H.L.,
Iand
think,
“Gaard!”
fries through
little
holehis
there.”
about
500 miles
north
of Vancouver.
It be:
lot better.”
others.
The
television
announcer
called
it “a
er,that.
while
not
knowing
how that
to 25,
use
reach,”
was
an
unbelievable
feeling.
Prince
George
in 2000-1.
He
recorded
that
summer,
while his
w
Hehis
would
always
‘Oh,
not
knowing
howhanded
toover.
useIt
his
reach,”
Prince
Georg
ined
about
it was
mostly
adjusting
to 30
hispounds
frame,
the
thea highlight
game
wa
scored
once
in
61“Whenever
games
spills out
of a valley amid
a wrinkled
He He
quickly
avenged only
his broken-jaw
hefor
would score
or get it
a into
miracle
on net
ice.” Itand
remains
in
incredible.”
Ryan
Boogaard
said.
“I
think
he
felt
245
penalty
minutes,
ranking
eighth
in
guys
came
out
of
the
bench
and
jaw
was
wired
shut.
It
was
incredible.”
The
Phone
Rings.
It’s
the
N.H.L.
m,
it’s
O.K.
It’s
my
job
now.
It’s
what
Ryan
Boogaard
said.
“I
think
he
felt
landscape
of
mountains
carpeted
with
245
penalty
m
loss
to
Mike
Lee.
He
beat
Mat
Sommerpoint,
they
would
cheer
like
it
was
the
Prince
George hockey history.
while his
not
knowing
how
to
use
his
reach,”
over.
It
was
an
unbelievable
feeling.
Th
Prince
George
in
2000-1.
He
recorded
forests. Bears and
moosecomfortable
are
greatest
thing,”
Swanson,
the
former
feld, a the
rivalthe
whomemory.
had torn
Boogaard’s
“Igoing
don’t
think
I ever
sawW.H.L.
our rink,
or
Boogaardwith
ultimately
found
refugein
at
eevergreen
memory.
more
that
frame
his
W.H.L.
He
was,
finally,
an
enforcer,
place
was
nuts.
It
was
the
The
father
laughed
at
doing.’”
more
comfortable
with
that
frame
in
his
the
H
credible.”
Ryan For
Boogaard
said.of Mike
“I think
heTobin,
felt name
245from
penalty
ranking
cameDerek,
out that
ofhappy
theasbench
common backyard visitors.
the
sports eighth
editor, said.in
“It justguys
wasn’t somethe back ofminutes,
his uniform and
the time heand
scoredth
the home
and Caren
’s
and the
shove
year
in the
and go
he
did
aheldthe
byanone
team,
feared
by
Cougars,
nearest opponent
is
a sixfeeling
I had
the
last
2Ityears.”
to McDonald’s
and
shove
rince
George
is second
a comfortable
city
of owners
80,000
second
year
in all
theWhenever
W.H.L.,
hegoal,”
didnuts.
a Thompson,
thing
they
expected.
youand
itappreciated
over
his head
after
earlier
appreciated
of aW.H.L.,
Prince“He’d
George
jewelry
that
said
thethe
former
memory.
more
with
that
frame
in
his
W.H.L.
He
was,
finally,
an
enforcer,
place
was
going
was
beb
hour
drive.
It
is
not
uncommon
for
the
heard the name Derek Boogaard anconquest.
One Web site put Boogaard’s
store andItlongtime
hosts
for the Cou
assistant coach.
eteam
there.”
lotofbetter.”
others.
fries
through
that
little
hole
there.”
ut
500
miles
Vancouver.
lot
better.”
The
television
announcer
called
others.
and
shove
bus
to
roll intonorth
town
at midday
af- in
second
year
the
W.H.L.,
and
he
did
a
appreciated
by
one
team,
feared
by
all
feeling
I
had
the
last
2
years.”
nounced,
you
expected
it
to
be
followed
record
at
18-4-4
in
fights
that
season.
gars. Boogaard trailed a teammate to
The 2001 N.H.L. draft began on June
ter
a road of
trip.a valley amid
‘Five-minute
major
He quickly
avenged
his
broken-jaw
One
poll named
him the toughest
“Whenever
he playwouldby,
score
or get
afor fighting.’”
s out
a wrinkled
miracle
on
ice.”announcer
It remains
aNow
highlig
their house
and never
wanted
to leave.
He
quickly
avenged
his
broken-jaw
“Whenever
23, Boogaard’s
19th birthday.
of it
le- “
here.”
lot better.”
others.
The
television
called
“Prince George, it’s not a dirty town,
er in the W.H.L.’s Western Conference.
Yet, improbably, Boogaard found
him“Derek
was
shy
—
oh
my
God
was
he
gal
drinking
age, hepoint,
spent the
nightw
loss
to
Mike
Lee.
He
beat
Mat
Sommerpoint,
they
would
cheer
like
it
was
the
dscape
of but
mountains
carpeted
with
Prince
George
hockey
history.
loss
to
Mike
Lee.
He
beat
Mat
Sommerthey
a rough town,
it’s an honest
town,”
self on the
during
of a playHe quicklyshy,”
avenged
“Whenever
heice,would
oriceget
a overtime
When
Boogaard took the
a buzz score
Mike Tobinhis
said. broken-jaw
miracle
on ice.”
remains
a Bar
highlight
mostly It
at the
Iron Horse
in Prince
said Jim
Swanson,
localfeld,
paper’s
off game.
rippledgreatest
through
Prince
George’s
arena,
aforrival
who
had
torn
Boogaard’s
thing,”
Swanson,
former
rgreen
forests.
moose
are
The
house
became
Boogaard’s
sancfeld,
rival
who had torn
Boogaard’s
greatest
George
with Ia couple
ofsaw
friends.our thin
“I George
don’t
think
ever
rink
und
refuge
atthe Bears
Boogaard
ultimately
found
refuge
at
loss
to and
Mike
He
beat
Mat
Sommerpoint,
they
would
cheer
like
itathe
was
the
hockey
history.
mer sports editor. “And
people
didn’t Lee.
which routinely had capacity crowds of
“I was standing in front Prince
of the net and
tuary. He played video games in the
The next
day, the sports
phone rang
at Josports
editor,
said.
“It name
just
wasn’t
somemonseeing
backyard
visitors.
name
fromFor
the the
back
of
hishimself
uniform
and
editor,
from
the
back
of
his
uniform
and
Derek,
that
happy
as
the
time
he
sc
Caren
Tobin,
mind
two guys who
were
willing
the
home
of
Mike
and
Caren
Tobin,
5,995.
One
side
of
the
arena
would
shout
I
turned
around
and
the
puck
was
just
feld,
a
rival
who
had
torn
Boogaard’s
greatest
thing,”
Swanson,
the
former
basement
and
made
comfort“I don’t think
I ever house
saw inour
rink,
anne Boogaard’s
Regina.
It o
dtorefuge
at and go at it.”
drop the
gloves
sitting
whilehis
the
goalie
thought
he
“Boo!”thing
and thethey
other would
shout held
able
insixthe
kitchen.
He brought
other
gars,
the
nearest
opponent
is
ahis
expected.
Whenever
you
held
it over
head
after
anofearlier
thing
they
itthere
over
head
after
an
was earlier
TommyThompson,
Thompson,
then the
chief
orge
jewelry
that
goal,”
said
the
fore
owners
a
Prince
George
jewelry
sports
editor,
said.
“It
just
wasn’t
somename
from
the
back
of
his
uniform
and
For Tobin,
Boogaard, instantly
homesick,
Derek,
that
happy
as
the
time
he
score
ren
teenagers — not teammates, usually,
scout
of
the
Minnesota
Wild.
rthe
drive.
is not
uncommon
forassorted
the site
heard
thethe
name
Boogaard
conquest.
Web
put
Boogaard’s
heard
the
na
conquest.
One
Webthat
site
put Boogaard’s
season
poorly
andover
got One
for
theItstarted
Cou
assistant
coach.
store
and
longtime
hosts
for
Cou Derek
but
misfits
hean
befriended
at
thing
they
expected.
Whenever
youanheld
it
his
head
after
earlier
“I toldThompson,
her I was calling from
Minge
jewelry
goal,”
said
thethe
forme
worse.
He
lost
hisinto
first town
fight
to at
Eric
school. afHeinwent
to action
movies
with
m
bus
to
roll
midday
nounced,
you
expected
it
to
be
followed
record
at
18-4-4
fights
that
season.
nounced,
you
record
at
18-4-4
in
fights
that
season.
nesota
Wild
and
that
we
had
drafted
teammate
to
gars.
Boogaard
trailed
a
teammate
to
The
2001
N.H.L.
draft
began
on
J
heard
the
name
Derek
Boogaard
anconquest.
One
Web
site
put
Boogaard’s
Godard,
a future N.H.L. enforcer.
or
the Cou
assistant coach.
Mike and tagged along on family outPUN
CH
E D O U T Part
1 for fighting.’”
Derek,” Thompson said. “She clearly
aQuickly
road
trip.
by,
‘Five-minute
major
One poll
him
the
toughest
playwith a reputation
for named
by,
‘Five-minu
One
poll
named him The
the
toughest
playted
totagged
leave.
ings. He
helped
run
the
birthday
party
their
house
and
never
wanted
to leave.
23,
Boogaard’s
19th
birthday.
Now
o
nounced,
you
expected
it
to
be
followed
record
at
18-4-4
in
fights
that
season.
was
not
expecting
this
call.
She
said
he
ammate
to
2001 N.H.L. draft began on Jun
poor balance and wild swings, BooOver Yet,
six months,
The New YorkBoogaard
the
life and
death
of
when
theWestern
Tobins’ twin
daughters
Prince
George,
it’sernot
anamed
dirty
town,
in the
W.H.L.’s
Conference.
improbably,
found
himwas already
Prince n
erexamined
inwho
the
W.H.L.’s
Western
Conference.
Yet,inimprob
ygaard
God
“Derek
was
—professional
oh
my hockey
God
was
he Times
drinking
age, onhea team,
spent
the
‘Five-minute
for
fighting.’”
lostwas
most he
of the One
rest of poll
his fights,
him
the
d
to
leave.
turned
5 and
had toughest
a giant
bounceplayhouse shy
theby,
playermajor
Derek Boogaard,
rose to fame as one
ofgal
23,
Boogaard’s
19th
of l
George.
I said,birthday.
‘No, the N.H.L.Now
draft.’ She
too. Online
voters
him
ahonest
6-9-1 Boogaard
ugh
town,
butgave
it’s
an
town,”
self
on
the
ice
during
overtime
of
a
playWhen
took
the
ice,
a
buzz
self
on
the
ice
in
the
front
yard.
When
Boogaard
took
the
ice,
a
buzz
shy,”
Mike
Tobin
said.
mostly
at
the
Iron
Horse
Bar
Pr
the
sport’s
most
feared
fighters
before
dying
at
age
28
on
May
13.
er in the W.H.L.’s
Western
Conference.
Yet,
improbably,
Boogaard
found
himsaid:age,
‘N.H.L.?
You’ve
got to
beinkidGod
was he
gal
drinking
he
spent
the
nig
record.
Boogaard
felt an instant
kinshiparena,
with
Jim
Swanson,
the
local
paper’s
foroff
game.
This
article,
the first of
a three-part series,
revisitsthrough
Boogaard’s childhood
rippled
through
Prince
George’s
ding.’”
off
game.
gaard’s
sancrippled
Prince
George’s
arena,
The
house
became
Boogaard’s
sancHis private
struggles When
were
just Boogaard
as
George
with
a
couple
of
friends.
self
on
the
ice
during
overtime
of
a
playtook
the
ice,
a
buzz
Mike Tobin — an affable man who
mostly at theCaren
IronTobin
Horse
Bartheinringing
Princ
answered
in the rugged
youth
and
junior leagues
westernof
and his
progression
profound.
hockey “And
iswhich
considered
a
sportsJunior
people
didn’t
routinely
had capacity
crowds
“Igames
was
standing
inoffront
the
net
and
treated
Boogaard
less like aHe
son
than
a of video
games
ineditor.
the
whichCanada
routinely
had capacity
crowds
“I was
stan
tuary.
played
in tothe
Thewith
next
day,inofthe
phone
rang
at
offphysically
game.
rippled
through
Prince
George’s
arena,
telephone
Prince
George
moments
ard’s
sancfrom
awkward boy
renowned brawler on the ice.
rite of passage
for Canada’s
most promGeorge
a
couple
of
friends.
little
brother,
who
did
not
finish
school
d
seeing
two guys
who
wereside
willing
One
of the
arena
wouldand
shout
Ihimself
turned
around
and
the
puck
was
just
later. She
ran upstairs
to in
the bedroom
self
comfort5,995.
One
side
of the arena
would
shout
I turned
arou
ising
young
players.
Itwhich
is a5,995.
wild,
frightbasement
comfortanne
Boogaard’s
house
Regina
but had
built acapacity
successful
business,
who
routinely
crowds
of made
“I
was
standing
in
front
of
the
net
and
mes
in
the
The nextwhere
day,Boogaard
the phone
rang at
was sleeping.
SheJ
On the
Web nytimes.com/boogaard
ening,the
competitive
lonely
voyage
rop
gloves
and
goOne
at it.”
drovethe
nice cars
and
hadwould
ain
stately
sitting
there other
while
goalie
thought
he other
“Boo!”
and
other
shout
rought
other and
sitting
there
andjustthe
would
shout
able
thehome
kitchen.
He
brought
wasBoogaard’s
Tommy
Thompson,
then
the
c
pounded
on the door.
Boogaard
an- w
5,995.
I turned
and the
the“Boo!”
puck was
f comfortinto
the world of frenzied
fan bases,
full-side
onof
thethe
edge arena
of town. would shout
In addition
to thisaround
article:
anne
house
in
Regina.
or
Boogaard,
instantly
homesick,
swered
in
grunts
and
asked
her
to
take
a
ates,
usually,
time coaching
staffs,“Boo!”
cross-province
teenagers
—
not
teammates,
usually,
“He
hated,
hated,
hated
school,”
scout
of
the
Minnesota
Wild.
sitting
there
while
the
goalie
thought
he
and
the
other
would
shout
ught
other
was
Tommy
Thompson,
then
the
chi
message.
She
coaxed
him
out
of
bed
and
∂
VIDEO
Boogaard
realizes
that
to
bus
travel
and
host
families,
known
as
Tobin said
Imitating Boo-misfits he befriended at
season started
poorly and
gotof Boogaard.
befriended
but assorted
to the
phone. from the M
her
I was
calling
billets.
s,
usually, at
reach the N.H.L., he must embrace
gaard’s deep voice and sideways
scout“Ioftold
thedownstairs
Minnesota
Wild.
se.
He lost
his infirst
fight
to Eric
“In typical Derek style, he goes, ‘UhBoogaard
got
tangled
all of it.
He
movies
with
school.
tofighting.
action movies with
smirk,
he
added:
“‘Look
at He
Mike.went
He
riended
at
nesota
Wild
and
that
we
huh,
uh-huh,calling
O.K., yeah,
O.K.,had
thanks,’”
was
awed
byfuture
the ferocity
of fans. enforcer.
“I
told
her
I
was
from
the dra
Mi
didn’t
finish
school
and
he
has
a
ard,
a
N.H.L.
novies
family
Mike and tagged∂ along
on
family outPERSONAL
REFLECTIONS
16 pages
Tobin
recalled. With
little emotion,
he
(“That’s
the outworst I have ever heard
with
Derek,”
Thompson
said.
“She
cle
Porsche.’”
nesota
Wild
and
that
we
had
drafte
ckly
tagged
with
a reputation
for
hung
up
and
said
he
was
drafted
by
the
people
yelling
and
screaming,”
he
of
notes
found
in
Boogaard’s
rthday
party
Boogaard, withings.
a backlog
frustra- run the birthday party
Heof helped
amily
outwas
not
expecting
this
call.
She
sai
Wild
in
the
seventh
round,
No.
202
over
wrote
of
a
game
in
Swift
Current.)
His
apartment
after
his
death.
Derek,”
Thompson
said.
“She
clear
tions,
wanted
to
quit
during
training
rspirits
balance
and wild swings,
BooOver
months,
The Newthe
YorkTobins’
Times examined
the life and death of
n
daughters
Over six months,was
The Newall.York
Times
examined
the
when
twin daughters
flagged
of six
The Tobins
screamed
in excitement.
hday
partyunder the callousness
camp in 2000. He was 18. He called his
on
a call.
team,
Prh
was not already
expecting
this
She in
saidto
∂ PHOTOGRAPHS Images of Boogaard
rd
lostpressured
most
of
theHis
rest
of
his
fights,
coaches
to win.
inexperiBoogaard
said he
was going
back
bounce
house
father
to
tell
him.
He
told
his
teamturned
5
and
had
a
giant
bounce
house
the
professional
hockey
player
Derek
Boogaard,
who
rose
to
fame
as
one
of
the
professional
hockey
player
Derek
Boogaard,
who
rose
Over
months,
The
New
York
Times
examined
the
life
and
death
of
daughters
George.
I
said,
‘No,
the
N.H.L.
draft.’
as
a
boy,
and
of
places
throughout
ence
meant that he spent overnight
bussix mates
bed.
He
had
a
headache.
he had a plane ticket home.
was already on a team, in Princ
Online near
voters gave
him most
a 6-9-1
infighters
theDerek
front
trips sitting
not
sleeping
Canada
that
his
sport’s
feared
before
atwho
ageshaped
28 on
May
A month You’ve
later, heat
was
in St.
unce
house the front,
Tobin
ultimately
persuaded
himyard.
to dying
the of
sport’s most feared
fighters
before
dying
age
28
on
said:
got
to Paul,
beShM
thethe
professional
hockey
player
Boogaard,
rose
to future.
fame13.
as one
George.
I‘N.H.L.?
said,
inkinship
the bunks in
back reserved for veterord.
home‘No,
of the the
Wild.N.H.L.
An arena draft.’
worker let
stay.
with
Boogaard
felt
an
instant
kinship
with
∂
EXTENDED
INTERVIEW
Mat
Sommerfeld,
a
childhood
rival
of
Boogaard’s
in
the
This
article,
the
first
of
a
three-part
series,
revisits
Boogaard’s
childhood
ding.’”
ans. And Boogaard bounced
from onemostAnd,
This
article,
the
first
of
a
three-part
series,
revisits
Bo
him
into
the
team
dressing
room.
For
the
the
sport’s
feared
fighters
before
dying
at
age
28
on
May
13.
suddenly,
Boogaard
started
to
said:
‘N.H.L.?
You’ve
got
to
be
ki
is
private
struggles
were win
just
as
le
Western
Hockey man
League, discusses
physical toll he endured as a fighter.
Mike
Tobin
— ofan
affable
whohistheprogression
host man
family
towho
another,
unable to create
first
time, he answered
put on an N.H.L. uniform.
fights. and
nship
with
Caren
Tobin
the
rin
in
the
rugged
youth
junior
leagues
western
Canada
and
in
the
rugged
youth
and
junior
leagues
of
western
Canada
This
article,
the
first
of
a
three-part
series,
revisits
Boogaard’s
childhood
a
facsimile
of
his
once-stable
home
life.
ding.’”
ound.
Junior
hockey
is
considered
a
And it fit.
a“Itson
than a
treated Boogaard less like a son than a
man
waswho
a very long year from
for me,”physically
Bootelephone
in Prince
George
mom
awkward
boyleagues
to renowned
brawler
on theand
ice.his progression
from physically awkward
boy to
renowned
brawler
the ic
Caren
Tobin
answered
theon ringin
of
passage
Canada’s
mostyouth
promin the
and junior
of
western
Canada
finish
school
gaard
wrote.
“I for
struggled
withrugged
everylittle
brother,
who
did
not
finish
school
son
than
a
later.
She
ran
upstairs
to
the
bedr
thing
it
seemed.”
telephone in Prince George momen
g young players.
It is
a wild, frightusiness,
who
from
physically
awkward
boy
to
renowned
brawler
on
the
ice.
but
built
a
successful
business,
who
nish
school
Boogaard
was hardly a model citizen.
where
Boogaard
was
sleeping.
nytimes.com/boogaard
ng,
competitive
andfigures
lonely
voyage
later. She ran upstairs to the bedroo
stately
homeauthority
He quietly
rejected
—
drove nice cars and had a stately home
ships to Canadian colleges.
providing blow-by-blow descriptions, declaring
Most harbor hopes of playing profession- winners and ranking the teenage fighters.
ally. On a typical roster of two dozen, a few will
Boogaard stepped into this culture when
advance to the National Hockey League. And in he was 16. The unwritten rules were well estabtoday’s N.H.L., about one of every five players lished.
once played in the Western Hockey League.
Both players must agree to the challenge.
the N.H.L. It is one of the three
top
juniorRings.
leagues
Gloves are off. Until a few years ago, helmets
The
Phone
It’sin
the N.H.L.
he N.H.L.Canada, the others based in Ontario and Quewere removed as both a sign of toughness and
bec. In many regards, the W.H.L. is the tough- consideration to the unprotected knuckles of
est. Not only are franchises stretched 1,500
the combatants. When the leagues made helmet
miles apart in some instances, making travel removal illegal, players learned to delicately repart of the teenage tribulation, but they also
move each other’s helmets before the fight behave produced some of hockey’s most notorigan — a concoction of courtesy and showmanous enforcers — from Tony Twist and Stu Grim- ship. Players knowingly drifted to the center
son to Colton Orr and Steve MacIntyre. Veteran
of the rink. Some, like professional wrestlers,
executives recall games where the only way to paused to pose or fix their hair.
stop the brawls was to shut off the arena lights.
The reaction of the scouts that winter’s
The teams are not affiliated with N.H.L. night in Melfort made it clear what to expect
teams, so player development is less a goal than when Boogaard went to his first W.H.L. training
U N C HanEaccepted
D O U TandPart
1 part of
PUNC
ED
T Part wanted
1
profit.P
Fighting,
popular
camp in Regina
inH
the
fall.OIfUBoogaard
P
U
N
C
H
E
D
O
U
T
Part
1
the game, is seen as a way to attract fans.
to advance in hockey, he would need his fists.
Efforts to ban fighting in the N.H.L. have
“He knew,” Ripplinger said. “He was a
long been stymied, in part by the popularity and
smart guy. He knew he wasn’t going to be good
tradition of it in the junior and minor leagues.
enough to make it on skills alone, and he used
Web sites are devoted to the spectacle, often his size to his advantage. I remember him at 16
On the Web
On the Web
cular“Prince
George,
it’s
not
a—
dirty
town,
unced,
you
expected
it
beBoogaard
followed
you
expected
it season.
towas
be Conference.
followed
record
at trailed
18-4-4
in
fights
that
George,
it’steammate
notafa dirty
town,
er in the
W.H.L.’s
Western
Yet,2001
improbab
trailed
a
toto
er
in shy
the
Western
own
at midday
“Derek
was
—
oh my
God
he nounced,
Yet,
improbably,
himThe
2001
N.H.L.
draft
began
on 18-4-4
June
The
2001
N.H.L.
began
onfound
JuneThe
you
expected
it draft
toConference.
beBoogaard
followed
“Derek
was
oh
my
God record
was
henounced,
at
in W.H.L.’s
fights
that
gal
dr
gars.
a shy
teammate
toseason.
N.H.L
afighting.’”
rough
town,
but
it’s
an honest
town,”
‘Five-minute
for
by,
‘Five-minute
major
for
fighting.’”
One
poll
named
him
the
toughest
playwn,
butwanted
it’s anmajor
honest
town,”
on themostly
ice du
When
Boogaard
the
ice,overtime
a Now
buzz of
everal
never
to
leave.
shy,”
Mike
said.
self onmajor
thetook
ice
of23,
aself
playWhen
Boogaard
took
the ice, by,
a buzz
23,
Boogaard’s
19th
Now
ofTobin
le23, Boogaard’s
19th
birthday.
le‘Five-minute
forduring
fighting.’”
shy,”
Mike
Tobin
said.
One
poll
named
him
the
toughest
playtheir house and never wanted to leave. birthday.
Boogaard’s
19
Jim
Swanson,
thedrinking
local
paper’s
forer inwas
theThe
W.H.L.’s
Conference.
Yet,
Boogaard
found
himYet,
improbably,
Boogaard
found himwanson,
the
local
paper’s
foroff game. Georg
rippled
through
Prince
hy
—improbably,
my God
was
hesaid
off game.
not
aoh
dirty
town,
became
Boogaard’s
sancrippled
through
Prince George’s
arena,
gal
age,he
he spent
thehouse
night
drinking
age, George’s
he found
spentarena,
the night
ersancinThe
the
W.H.L.’s
Western
Conference.
house
became
Boogaard’s
10th
Yet, gal
improbably,
Boogaard
him“Derek
shy
—
oh Western
my
God was
gal drinking
age
mer
sports
editor.
“And
people
didn’t
on
the ice
during
overtime
ofWhen
a playon
the ice
during
overtime
of
a crowds
playsfan
editor.
“And
people
didn’t
Boogaard
took
theIron
ice,
a buzz
which
routinely
hadstanding
capacity
crowds
was
standin
n
said.
honest
town,”
tuary.
played
video
the
which
routinely
had
ofmostly
was
inof
front
ofof
the mostly
net “I
and
mostly
at
the
Horse
Bar
inHe
Prince
at
the
Iron
Horse
Bar
in
Prince
tuary.
He
played
video
games
in
theself
self
on
the
ice“I
during
overtime
a playWhen
Boogaard
took
thegames
ice,capacity
a in
buzz
shy,”
Mike
Tobin
said.
The
at the
Iro
mind
seeing
two
guys
who
were
willing
ggame.
two paper’s
guys who
were
willing
off
game.
through
Prince
George’s
5,995.
OneIside
of the
arenaofand
would
I turned
around
came
Boogaard’s
sanclocal
forbasement
and Prince
made
himself
5,995.
One side
of the comfortarena
shout
turned
theshout
puck was
just with
George
with
a himself
couple
ofcomfortfriends.
basement
and
made
George
with
a around
couple
friends.
game.
rippled
through
George’s
arena,wouldoff
The rippled
house
became
Boogaard’s
sanc- arena,
anne
George
a cou
,”gloves
said
toofdrop
theable
gloves
and
go
at
it.”
and
go
atinit.”
“I
was
standing
the
net
and
which
routinely
had
capacity
crowds
of
“I
was
standing
in
front
of
the
net
and
sitting
there
wh
“Boo!”
and
the
other
would
shout
ed
video
games
infront
the
And
people
didn’t
able
in
the
kitchen.
He
brought
other
sitting
there
while
the
goalie
thought
he
“Boo!”
and
the
other
would
shout
in
the
kitchen.
He
brought
other
Thegames
next day,
the phone
rang
at Jo- had capacity crowds of
next in
day,
theofphone
which
routinely
“I wasThe
standing
front
the netrang
and at Jo-The nextwas
tuary. He played video
in the
day,T
For5,995.
Boogaard,
instantly
homesick,
sistant
gaard,
instantly
homesick,
urned
around
and
thebasement
puck
was
just
Onemade
side
ofhimself
arena
would
shout
I turned
around
andwould
the puck
was just
made
himself
comfortwho were
willing
teenagers
—Itof
not
usually,
teenagers
—the
not
teammates,
usually,
5,995.
One
side
theteammates,
arena
shout
I turned
around
and the house
puck was
just
anne
Boogaard’s
house
in Regina.
anne
Boogaard’s
in Regina.
It Boogaard’s
and
comfortscout
o
anne
the thought
season
started
poorly
and
gotshout
n
poorly
and
ting
while
the
goalie
heand
sitting
there
while
goalieshout
thought
he
the
other would
hen.
He
other
go started
atthere
it.” brought
ything
but atassorted
misfits
hethe
befriended
at sitting
assorted
misfits
he
befriended
thereTommy
while the
goalie thought
he chief
“Boo!”
and
the
other
would
was
Thompson,
then
the
chief
was
Thompson,
then the
able got
in“Boo!”
thebut
kitchen.
He Tommy
brought
other
“I
to
was
Tommy
Tho
worse.
He
lost
his
first
fight
to
Eric
lost
his
first fight
to Eric
ot
teammates,
usually,
school.
tantly
homesick,
school.
He
went
to action
movies
with He went to action movies with
wantscout
of the
Minnesota
Wild.
scout of the Minnesota Wild.
teenagers
—
not teammates,
usually,
scout of thenesota
Minne
a future
N.H.L.along
enforcer.
aisfits
future
N.H.L.
he and
befriended
atGodard,
tagged
along
onD
family
outpoorly
got enforcer.
Mike
and “I
tagged
on
familyMike
out- and
P
U
N“ICtold
Hher
ED
O calling
U T from
Partthe
1 Min-“I told her
but
assorted
misfits
hetold
befriended
atcalling
her I was
from
the MinI was
P
U
N
C
H
E
O
U
T
Part
1
in
the
Derek
I wa
Quickly
tagged
with
a
reputation
for
withto
a Eric
reputation
for
tgged
to action
movies
with
ings.
He
helped
run
the
birthday
party
rst
fight
helpedmovies
run the
birthday
school. He ings.
went He
to nesota
action
with
Wild
and
that weparty
had drafted
nesota Wild and that we had drafted
was
no
nesota
Wild
ol
and
poor
balance
and
wild
swings,
Boonce
and
wild
swings,
BooOverexamined
six Thompson
months,
Newdeath
York
examined theand
life
ed
along enforcer.
on family outthe
Tobins’
daughters
N.H.L.
Over
sixtwin
months,
The New
York Times
the The
lifesaid.
and
ofclearly
when
the
Tobins’
twin
daughters
Plost
Utagged
N
CH
ED
UhisT
Part
1when
Mike and
along
on O
family
outDerek,”
Thompson
said.
“She
clearly
Derek,”
“SheTimes
P
U
N
C
H
E
D
O
U
T
Part
1
was
a
Derek,”
Thompso
gaard
most
of
the
rest
of
fights,
and
I
most
of the
restfor
ofparty
hisings.
fights,
run
the
birthday
turned
5 and
a giant bounce
a reputation
turned
5was
and
hadexpecting
a giant
bounce
house
theBoogaard,
professional
hockey
Derek
who rose
to f
thehehad
professional
hockey house
player Derek
who
rose toplayer
fame
asShe
oneBoogaard,
of was
He helped
run
the not
birthday
party
this call.
She said
was not expecting
this
call.
said
he not
Georg
expecting
too.
Online
voters
gave
him
a 6-9-1
emined
him
a
6-9-1
the gave
lifeBooand
death
of
Over
six
months,
The
New
York
Times
examined
the
life
and
death
of
bins’
twin
daughters
in
the
front
yard.
ildvoters
swings,
s.”
in
the
front
yard.
six
The New
York
Timesbefore
examined
life
when the Tobins’wastwin
daughters
the sport’s
most
feared
fighters
at age
28 said:
on Ma
already
on a team, Over
in Prince
themonths,
sport’s most
feared
fighters
dying
at
ageand
28 death
on May
13. before
wasthe
already
a ofteam,
in dying
Prince
was
already
on
record.
a giant
Boogaard
felt
antoinstant
kinship
of
hisbounce
,drest
who
rose
tofights,
famehouse
as turned
one
of the
professional
hockey
player
Derek
Boogaard,
who
rose
fame
as
one
ofwith
Boogaard
felt
an
instant
kinship
5 and
had
a George.
giant
bounce
house
game
thewith
professional
hockey
player
Derek
Boogaard,
who
rosearticle,
toIrevisits
fame
as
one
Iwere
said,
‘No,
the
N.H.L.
draft.’
She
George.
said,
the
draft.’series,
She
This
the‘No,
first
ofofN.H.L.
a three-part
revisits
Boog
This
article,
the
first
of a three-part
series,
Boogaard’s
childhood
ding.’”
George.
I
said,
‘No
His
private
struggles
just
as
ate
struggles
were
just
as
.age
Mike
Tobin
—onan
affable
man who
ave 28
him
a 6-9-1
Mike
Tobin
—
an
affable
man
who
on
May
13.
the
sport’s
most
feared
fighters
before
dying
at
age
28
May
13.
in
the
front
yard.
said:
‘N.H.L.?
You’ve
got
to
be
kidsaid:
‘N.H.L.?
You’ve
got
to
be
kidhit
inhockey
sport’s most
fighters
before
dying
atinage
on May
13.andand
the28
rugged
youth
junior
of western
CanadaCare
anY
in thefeared
rugged
youth
and
junior
western
Canada
hisleagues
progression
said: ‘N.H.L.?
profound.
Junior hockey
is considered
a the
Junior
is considered
a
an
instant
kinship
with
treated
less like
achildhood
son
than
a leagues of
treated
Boogaard
less
a son
than
a Boogaard
Boogaard
felt an
instant
revisits
Boogaard’s
childhood
This
article,
thekinship
first
of like
awith
three-part
series,
revisits
Boogaard’s
ding.’”
teleph
This
article,
thedid
firstnot
ofawkward
afinish
three-part
series,
revisits
Boogaard’s
childhood
from
physically
awkward
boy to renowned brawler
ice.
Mike
ding.’” on the
rite
of passage
fording.’”
Canada’s
most
promfrom
physically
boy
to
renowned
brawler
on
the
ice.
age
for
Canada’s
proman
affable
who
little
brother,
who
school
les
were
justman
asmost
little
brother,
who
did
not
finish
school
Mike in
Tobin
— an youth
affable
man
who
Caren
answered
therugged
ringing
Caren
answered the ringingCaren Tobin
rn penCanada
and
his
progression
the rugged
juniorfrightleaguesinofthe
western
Canada
and junior
his progression
later. aS
ising young
isand
a Tobin
wild,
and
leagueswho
of western Canada
andTobin
his progression
g
a awild,
e
rd
less
likeIta is
son
thantreated
afrightbut
a youth
successful
business,
eyplayers.
is considered
butplayers.
built
aIt
successful
business,
whobuilt
Boogaard
less
like
a son
than
a George
telephone
in
Prince
moments
telephone
innytimes.com/boogaard
Prince George moments
On
the
Web
er
on
the
ice.
from
physically
awkward
boy
to
renowned
brawler
on
the
ice.
where
On
the
Web
ening,
competitive
and
lonely
voyage
telephone in
Pri
mpetitive
and
lonely
voyage
from
physically
awkward
boy
to
renowned
brawler
on
the
ice.
ho
didmost
not finish
drove nice cars and had a stately home
ada’s
prom-school
drove
cars
and
had
a
stately
home
little brother,
whonice
did
not
finish
school
later. She
upstairs
bedroom
later. She ran upstairs to the bedroom
pound
into
the world
of edge
frenzied
fanran
bases,
full- toonthe
later. She ran
up
rld
of
frenzied
fan bases,
fullccessful
business,
who
the
edge
of
town.
t
is
a
wild,
frightIn
addition
to
this
article:
on
the
of
town.
In
addition
to
this
article:
but
built
a
successful
business,
who
ns
andstaffs, cross-province
where
Boogaard was On
sleeping.
She nytimes.com/boogaard
where Boogaard was sleeping. She
the Web
swered
time On
coaching
staffs,
cross-province
where
Boogaard
the
Web
hing
andlonely
had a voyage
stately home
“He
hated,
hated,
hated
school,”
nd
“He
hated,
hated,
hated
school,”
drove nice cars andpounded
had a stately
homedoor. Boogaard anonknown
the
pounded
on the
door.
angaard
Boogaard
realizes
thatBoogaard
to
messa
bus travel
and host
families,
as
∂of
VIDEO
Boogaard realizes that to ∂ VIDEO
pounded on
the
and
host
families,
own.
addition
to
this
saidto
Boogaard.
ed fan
bases,
full- known
Tobin
said
ofarticle:
Boogaard.
Imitating
Booon theasIn
edge
of town.
InTobin
addition
this
article: Imitating Booswered
in
grunts
and
asked
her
to
take
a
swered
in
grunts
and
asked
her
to
take
a
downsa
billets.
t
line
reach
the
N.H.L.,
he
must
embrace
swered
in grunts
reach
the
N.H.L.,
he
must
embrace
hated school,” “He hated,
gaard’s deep voice and sideways
s,hated,
cross-province
gaard’s
deep
voice
and sideways
hated,
hated
school,”
message.
coaxed
him
out
of bed
and
message. She coaxed him out of bed and
∂ VIDEO
Boogaard
realizes
that
to
got
tangled
in She
all
of
it. at
HeMike.
message. She“In
coa
d got tangled
inasallBooofTobin
it.Boogaard
He
∂ smirk,
VIDEO
Boogaard
realizes
to
oogaard.
Imitating
fighting.
added:
“‘Look that
at Mike.
He
amilies,
known
fighting.
smirk,
he added:
“‘Look
He he
said of
Boogaard.
Imitating
Boodownstairs
toof
the
phone. didn’t finish school and he has a
downstairs to the phone.
was
awed
by
the
ferocity
fans.
reach
the
N.H.L.,
he
must
embrace
huh,
u
downstairs
to
the
by
the
ferocity
of
fans.
voice
and
sideways
reach
the
N.H.L.,
he
must
embrace
didn’t
finish
school
and
he
has
a
where
gaard’s deep voice“Inand
sideways
∂ PERSONAL
REFLECTIONS
16he
pages
typical
Derek
style,Porsche.’”
he goes, ∂‘Uh“In typical
Derek style,
goes, ‘Uh-“In typical
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS 16 pages
(“That’s
the
worst I have
ever
heard
Tobin
he
I at
have
heardhe
Der
fighting.
d:
“‘Look
He
ed worst
in all of
it.Mike.
Heever
Porsche.’”
fighting.
smirk,
added:
“‘Look
at
Mike.
He
ougars
huh, with
uh-huh,
O.K., yeah,
O.K.,
thanks,’”
huh, uh-huh,
yeah, O.K., thanks,’”
yelling
and
screaming,”
heof frustraof notes
found inO.K.,
Boogaard’s
hung
lling
he finish
ofwith
notes
found in of
Boogaard’s
huh, uh-huh,
O.Ku
chool and
and
he
apeople
Boogaard,
a backlog
frustraferocity
of screaming,”
fans.has didn’t
Boogaard,
a backlog
school
and he
has16
apages
PERSONAL
REFLECTIONS
ntgame
himever
Tobin
With
little
emotion,
he
Tobin recalled.
he
wrote
ations,
gamewanted
in
Swiftrecalled.
His
Wild W
in
in Swift
Current.)
His∂ of
∂ tions,
PERSONAL
REFLECTIONS
16
apartment
after his With
death.little emotion, Tobin
recalled.
wanted
to quit after
during
training
have
heard
apartment
hispages
death.
toCurrent.)
quit during
training
Porsche.’”
hung
and
said
heofwas
drafted
by
theHe
hung up and said he was drafted by the
of notes
found
inup
Boogaard’s
flagged
under
the
callousness
ged
theofcallousness
of
all.
Th
th
a under
backlog
frustra-spirits
hung
up
and
said
camp
in
2000.
was
18.
He
called
his
screaming,”
he
of
notes
found
in
Boogaard’s
camp
in
2000.
He
was
18.
He
called
his
Boogaard, with a backlog of frustra∂ PHOTOGRAPHS
Imagesround,
of Boogaard
PHOTOGRAPHS
of Boogaard
inhim.
the
No. 202
over
Wild in the seventh
No. 202 over
coachesapartment
pressured
to
win.
Hisseventh
inexperiessured
to win.His
His inexperiafter
his
death.
Boo
o Booquit
during
training
father
to ∂
tell
him.
He told Images
his teamWild in the seven
wift
Current.)
n
father
toWild
tell
He
told round,
his teamapartment
after
his death.
tions, wanted
to quit
during
training
as
a
boy,
and
of
places
throughout
all.
The
Tobins
screamed
in
excitement.
all.
The
Tobins
screamed
in excitement.
ence
meant
that
he
spent
overnight
bus
as
a
boy,
and
of
places
throughout
tthe
that
he
spent
overnight
bus
bed.scr
H
He
was
18.
He
called
his
mates he had a plane ticket home.
callousness of
all. The Tobins
mates
he
had
a
plane
ticket
home.
camp in
2000.
He
was
18.
He
called
his
straw
PHOTOGRAPHS
Images
of
Boogaard
trips ∂sitting
near ultimately
theBoogaard
front,
not
sleeping
said
he was
going
back
to Images
Boogaard
said his
he was
going back toBoogaard said
∂ Tobin
PHOTOGRAPHS
of Boogaard
gwin.
near
the
front,
sleeping
Canada
that shaped
future.
im.
He
told
his not
teamCanada
that shaped
his future.
ultimately
persuaded
him
to
His
inexperiA
m
Tobin
persuaded
him
to
father
to
tell
him.
He
told
his
teamMARCUS
YAM
FORNEW
THE NEW
YORK
TIMES
too,
in reserved
MARCUS
YAM
FOR
THE
YORK
TIMES
as stay.
a boy,
and
of
places
in
the bunks
in back
reserved
for
veterbed.
He
had athroughout
headache.
bed. He had
a headache.
ks
back
formates
vetera inplane
ticket
as a boy, and of places throughout
stay.
ent
overnight
bushome.
bed.
He hadhome
a hea
he
had
a
plane
ticket
home.
∂
EXTENDED
INTERVIEW
Mat
Sommerfeld,
a
childhood
riva
∂
EXTENDED
INTERVIEW
Mat
Sommerfeld,
a
childhood
rival
of
Boogaard’s
in
the
own
as
Local
rinks
are
primary
gathering
places
Canada,
and
boys
often YAM
playFOR
hockey
soon
afterlater,
learning
to
walk.
Boogaard
from
one
Canada
that
shaped
his
future.
Boogaard
bounced
oneAnd
Abounced
month
later,
he
wasthroughout
inand
St.suddenly,
Paul,
A
month
he
was
in St. Paul,A monthhim
ly
persuaded
himfrom
toans.
ront,
not primary
sleeping
And,
Boogaard
started
in
Canada
that
shaped
his
future.
And,
suddenly,
Boogaard
started
to
later,
MARCUS to
THE
NEWand
YORK TIMES
Tobin
ultimately
persuaded
him
to
ks
are
gathering
places
throughout
Canada,
boys
often
play
hockey
soon
after
learning
to
walk.
Local
rinks
are
primary
gathering
places
throughout
Canada,
boys
play
hockey
soon
Western
Hockey
League,
the physical
toll after
he end
host family
tofights.
another,
create
Hockey
League, discusses
the
physical
tollWild.
he often
endured
as aworker
fighter.
yeserved
to another,
unable tostay.
create
home unable
of the to
Wild.
An arena
let
home
of the
An discusses
arena
let
ces
of for veterwin worker
fights. Western
first
tim
win
home
of
the
Wild
childhood
rival ofthroughout
Boogaard’s
the
∂inEXTENDED
INTERVIEW
Mat
Sommerfeld,
a childhood
rival
of Boogaard’s
in to
thewalk.
facsimile
of his once-stable
home
life.
∂ EXTENDED
INTERVIEW
Mat
Sommerfeld,
a childhood
rival
Boogaard’s
in room.
the For the
ering
places
Canada,
and
often
hockey
soon
after
learning
of his
once-stable
life.
him
intoboys
the
team
dressing
room.
For the
him into
theofteam
dressing
y,
Boogaard
toaAnd,
ounced
from started
one home
And
him into the team
suddenly,
Boogaard
started
to play
cal
toll
he
endured
as
a
fighter.
Western
Hockey
League,
discusses
the
physical
toll
he
endured
as
a
fighter.
“It
was
a
very
long
year
for
me,”
Boolong
for me,”
first time, he put on an N.H.L.
uniform.
firsthe
time,
he putasonaan
N.H.L. uniform.first time, he put o
Western
Hockey League, discusses the physical toll
endured
fighter.
, very
unable
to year
create
winBoofights.
gaard wrote. “I struggled
with everyte.
“I struggled
And it fit.
And it fit.
stable
home life. with everyAnd it fit.
thing it seemed.”
med.”
year
for me,” BooBoogaard
was
hardly
a
model
citizen.
years
pushing weights and boxing and stuff
d was with
hardly
a model old,
citizen.
division team in Regina.
ggled
everyHe quietly
rejected authority figures —
rejected authority figures
—
like
that.
He
knew
his
job.”
Len Boogaard told his son he was proud of
teachers,
coaches, host families — who
oaches,
host
families —
who
y a model
citizen.
JIM
SWANSON,
former
sports
editor at The Prince George Citizen
treated
him
with
what
he
sensed
was
mthority
with what
he
sensed
was
how far he had made it.
figures — Boogaard’s first fight was the one-punch
distrust. He disobeyed rules, particulare disobeyed
st
families —rules,
who particularnose-breaking
knockdown
of
the
reigning
tough
“When all the people in Melfort said that I
ly
curfews,
and
rotated
through
several
and
through
several sports editor at The Prince George Citizen
atJIM
he rotated
sensed
was former
SWANSON,
JIM SWANSON,
former sports editor at The Prince George Citizen
families.
He
never
completed
10th
He
never
completed
10th
rules,
particularkid during
Regina’s first team scrimmage. But
wasn’t any good,” Derek Boogaard later wrote,
grade.
er
sports editor
Prince George Citizen
d through
severalat The
Boogaard,
seen
as
a
fighter,
not
a
player,
played
“he said I shoved it up their [expletive] already.”
“He
was
a
boy
in
a
man’s
body,”
said
acompleted
boy in a man’s
body,”
said
10th
Dallas Thompson, then an assistant
ompson, then
an
assistant
little
during
the preseason. Finally, he was told
The next team also had little use for
coach for Prince George. “Everything
Prince
George.
“Everything
man’s body,”
said
was
in
a
hurry.
He
knew
what
he
wanthe
would
play
one
night
in
Moose
Jaw,
against
Boogaard.
During a game at a tournament
urry.
He
knew
what
he
wanthen an assistant
ed the
to do: He wanted to play in the
He wanted
to play in
rge.
“Everything
the
Pats’
primary rival.
in Calgary, Boogaard watched teammates
N.H.L.
ot of
things,
like school
and A lot of things, like school and
ew
what
he wantaccelerated
bit, and Ifrom Melfort.
p,
bit,growing
and
I up, got
family
drove
four ahours
take turns on the ice while he sat, unused, on
d got
to accelerated
play in the aThe
think it overwhelmed him at times.”
himand
at times.”
s,rwhelmed
like school
Ryan
Boogaard,
twoduring
years
younger,
the bench. Frustrated at being forgotten — or
In March 2000,
a home
game researched
h 2000,aduring
a Ihome
game
erated
bit, and
was hit
in
i-City,
Boogaard
was against
hit
in Tri-City,
him
at times.”
W.H.L.
fighters,
a Boogaard
brotherly
scouting
service viewed as something less than a hockey player
face by an enforcer named Mike
y an
enforcer
named the
Mike
ing
a home
game
that
Boogaard’s
career. He — he finally turned to the coach.
were ushered
to the penwo
were
ushered
theLee.
pen-The twothrough
gaard
was
hit
in tocontinued
alty
box.
cer named warned
Mike
Boogaard
of
a
player
named
Kevin
“I’m good, I can play,” Boogaard cried. “I’m
sat in the box for the five mins and
the
boxtofor
five mins “I
and
hered
thethe
penLapp,Boogaard
rated
asclose
themy
league’s
No. 2 fighter. Lapp right here in front of you.”
I couldn’t
mouth,” Boogaard
close my mouth,”
later
“My teeth wouldn’t line
e.
teeth
wouldn’t
linewrote.
the“My
five mins
and
was
nearly
20.
Boogaard
was
16.
He later lashed out at the coach in the hallup.”
mouth,” Boogaard
Boogaard
went
to
the
hospital,
where
into Boogaard’s first shift, Lapp way and quit. Joanne Boogaard came from Sasd went
to the hospital,
where
eth
wouldn’t
line Moments
his jaw was wired shut. The Cougars
as wired shut. The Cougars
asked
if
he
was
katchewan to retrieve him. She drove him eight
put
him on a ready.
liquid dietBoogaard
and sent him said he was.
n ahospital,
liquid diet
and sent
him
he
where
home
to
Regina.
gina.
He was not.
hours home.
hut. The Cougars
“He was missing a tooth,” Len Boomissing
a tooth,”
Len Booiet
and sent
him He
heard
the
older
players
in
the
back
of
the
“For your son to cry halfway from Calgary
d. “He could fit a gaard
straw said. “He could fit a straw
through
there.
Then
he
realized,
too,
in
ere.
Then
he
realized,
too,
in
to Regina, just to be beside himself with, ‘Why
tooth,” Len bus
Boo- making fun of him on the way home. The
MAR
thatas
space, he could shove food down as
he could
food down
uld
fit ashove
straw
Local
rinks
are
primary
gathering
places
throughout
Canada,
and
boys
ofte
Local
rinks
are
primary
gathering
places
throughout
Canada,
and
boys
often
play
hockey
soon
after
learni
next
day,
Boogaard
was
reassigned
to
a
lower”
Joanne
Boogaard
does
this
have
to
happen?’ well.
So
he
would
cut
up
little
pieces
of
cut too,
up little
ewould
realized,
in pieces of
MARCUS YAM FOR TH
hove
food
down
as
and boys
often
play
soon
after learning
to
walk.
Local
rinks
arehockey
primary
gathering
places
throughout
Canada,
and
boys
often
play
hockey
soon
after
learning
to play
walk.hockey soon after learning to walk
Local
rinks
are
primary
gathering
places
throughout
Canada,
and
boys
often
up little pieces of
George, it’s not a dirty town, a rough town, but it’s an honest town. And people
n’t mind
seeing
twonot
guys
were
willing
tohonest
drop the
gloves
and
go
at it.’
dirty
town,
ait’s
rough
town,
but
it’s an
town.
And
people
nce
George,
awho
dirty
town,
a rough
town,
but
it’s
an
honest town. And
town,
but it’s
an guys
honest
town.
And
people
orough
guysmind
who
were
willing
to drop
the
gloves
andtogo
at it.’
didn’t
seeing
two
who
were
willing
drop
the gloves and go at
were willing to drop the gloves and go at it.’
‘Prince
George,
it’sanot
a dirty
town,
rough
town, town.
but it’sAnd
an ho
‘Prince George, it’s
not a dirty
town,
rough
town,
butait’s
an honest
pe
didn’t
mind
seeing
two
guys
who
were
drop
gl
s an
town.
people
’s
nothonest
a dirty
town,And
a rough
town,
but
it’s
an
honest
town.
And
people
didn’t
mind
seeing
two
guys
who
were
willing
to
drop
thewilling
gloves
and
go the
at it.’
‘Prince
George,
it’s
not
a dirty
town,
a rough
town,
but
it’s
an
honest
town. to
And
people
JIM
former
sports editor at
The Prince
Citizen
p the gloves
and
goseeing
at
it.’ willing
eeing
two
guys
who
were
toJIM
drop
the
gloves
and
go
atGeorge
it.’Citizen
SWANSON,
former
sports editor
at SWANSON,
The
Prince
didn’t
mind
two guys
who
were
willing
to
drop
the
gloves
and
goGeorge
at it.’
itizen
JIM SWANSON, former sports editor atJIM
TheSWANSON,
Prince George
Citizen
former
sports editor at The Prince George Citizen
said. “All he wants to do is play. All he wanted
was to have his fair share, to show people.”
Boogaard thought his hockey career was
over. His parents were divorcing. Len Boogaard
was reassigned to Regina, the provincial capital. Joanne Boogaard, a Regina native, moved
from Melfort, too. Derek Boogaard was failing
classes at his new high school. The family worried about the people he hung around.
Just 16, he and two friends got into a fight
outside a bar. Boogaard later wrote that they
beat up seven 30-year-olds. He came home at
2:30 a.m. with no shirt and his body splattered
in blood. One eye was black by morning.
By the fall of 1999, the 17-year-old Boogaard
had grown a few more inches, to 6-7. The Regina
Pats wanted him back in training camp. Desperate to prove himself, he fought teammates 12
times in four scrimmages.
Called into the coach’s office one day, he
thought he would be cut from the team. Instead,
he was told he would play that night against the
Kelowna Rockets.
Kelowna featured a 6-7 enforcer named
Mitch Fritz. Ryan Boogaard provided the scouting report. Fritz had an overhand punch that reminded the Boogaards of the villainous ape in
the Donkey Kong video game.
Fritz won. Boogaard was traded. There is
not much use for an enforcer who loses fights.
Struggling With Everything
Prince George, British Columbia, where
Boogaard had been dealt, was curious to meet
its new teenage enforcer, but not quite prepared.
Boogaard’s jersey had to have extra bands of
cloth sewn to the bottom and at the end of the
sleeves.
After his first practice with the Prince
George Cougars, Boogaard met with General
Manager Daryl Lubiniecki.
“If you win a few fights in this town you
could run for mayor,” Lubiniecki said.
The local paper, The Prince George Citizen,
ran a full-page photograph of Boogaard with
a Boogeyman theme. The family name had always been pronounced “BOH-guard.” With
Derek, some were starting to say it as “BOOguard.” Boogaard was expected to step into the
character, leading with his fists.
“It bothered me,” Joanne Boogaard said. “I
didn’t want him to fight. He knew that. He would
always be: ‘Oh, Mom, it’s O.K. It’s my job now.
It’s what I’m doing.’ ”
Prince George is a city of 80,000 about 500
miles north of Vancouver. It spills out of a valley
amid a wrinkled landscape of mountains carpeted with evergreen forests. Bears and moose are
common backyard visitors. For the Cougars,
the nearest opponent is a six-hour drive. It is
not uncommon for the team bus to roll into town
at midday after a road trip.
“Prince George, it’s not a dirty town, a
rough town, but it’s an honest town,” said Jim
Swanson, the local paper’s former sports editor.
“And people didn’t mind seeing two guys who
were willing to drop the gloves and go at it.”
For Boogaard, instantly homesick, the season started poorly and got worse. He lost his
first fight to Eric Godard, a future N.H.L. enforcer. Quickly tagged with a reputation for poor
balance and wild swings, Boogaard lost most of
the rest of his fights, too. Online voters gave him
a 6-9-1 record.
His private struggles were just as profound.
Junior hockey is considered a rite of passage
for Canada’s most promising young players. It
is a wild, frightening, competitive and lonely
voyage into the world of frenzied fan bases, fulltime coaching staffs, cross-province bus travel
and host families, known as billets.
Boogaard got tangled in all of it. He was
awed by the ferocity of fans. (“That’s the worst I
have ever heard people yelling and screaming,”
he wrote of a game in Swift Current.) His spirits
flagged under the callousness of coaches pressured to win. His inexperience meant that he
spent overnight bus trips sitting near the front,
not sleeping in the bunks in back reserved for
veterans. And Boogaard bounced from one host
family to another, unable to create a facsimile of
his once-stable home life.
“It was a very long year for me,” Boogaard
wrote. “I struggled with everything it seemed.”
Boogaard was hardly a model citizen. He
quietly rejected authority figures — teachers,
coaches, host families — who treated him with
what he sensed was distrust. He disobeyed
rules, particularly curfews, and rotated through
several families. He never completed 10th grade.
“He was a boy in a man’s body,” said Dallas
Thompson, then an assistant coach for Prince
George. “Everything was in a hurry. He knew
what he wanted to do: He wanted to play in the
tchen. He brought other
not teammates, usually,
misfits he befriended at
nt to action movies with
ged along on family outd run the birthday party
obins’ twin daughters
had a giant bounce house
rd.
lt an instant kinship with
— an affable man who
ard less like a son than a
who did not finish school
uccessful business, who
s and had a stately home
town.
hated, hated school,”
Boogaard. Imitating Boovoice and sideways
ed: “‘Look at Mike. He
school and he has a
with a backlog of frustrato quit during training
He was 18. He called his
him. He told his teamd a plane ticket home.
tely persuaded him to
nly, Boogaard started to
“Boo!” and the other would shout
sitting there while the goalie thought he
P U N C H E D O U T Part 1
Over six months, The New York Times examined the life and death of
the professional hockey player Derek Boogaard, who rose to fame as one of
the sport’s most feared fighters before dying at age 28 on May 13.
This article, the first of a three-part series, revisits Boogaard’s childhood
in the rugged youth and junior leagues of western Canada and his progression
from physically awkward boy to renowned brawler on the ice.
On the Web nytimes.com/boogaard
In addition to this article:
∂ VIDEO Boogaard realizes that to
reach the N.H.L., he must embrace
fighting.
∂ PERSONAL REFLECTIONS 16 pages
of notes found in Boogaard’s
apartment after his death.
∂ PHOTOGRAPHS Images of Boogaard
as a boy, and of places throughout
Canada that shaped his future.
∂ EXTENDED INTERVIEW Mat Sommerfeld, a childhood rival of Boogaard’s in the
Western Hockey League, discusses the physical toll he endured as a fighter.
N.H.L. A lot of things, like school and growing
up, got accelerated a bit, and I think it overwhelmed him at times.”
In March 2000, during a home game against
Tri-City, Boogaard was hit in the face by an enforcer named Mike Lee. The two were ushered
to the penalty box.
“I sat in the box for the five mins and I
couldn’t close my mouth,” Boogaard later wrote.
“My teeth wouldn’t line up.”
Boogaard went to the hospital, where his
jaw was wired shut. The Cougars put him on a
liquid diet and sent him home to Regina.
“He was missing a tooth,” Len Boogaard
said. “He could fit a straw through there. Then
he realized, too, in that space, he could shove
food down as well. So he would cut up little pieces of steak and slide it through that hole. Instead
of losing weight, he gained about 25, 30 pounds
that summer, while his jaw was wired shut. It
was incredible.”
The father laughed at the memory.
“He’d go to McDonald’s and shove fries
through that little hole there.”
was Tommy Thompson
scout of the Minnesota W
“I told her I was callin
nesota Wild and that
Derek,” Thompson sai
was not expecting this
was already on a te
George. I said, ‘No, the N
said: ‘N.H.L.? You’ve
ding.’”
Caren Tobin answer
telephone in Prince G
later. She ran upstairs
where Boogaard was
pounded on the door.
swered in grunts and as
message. She coaxed hi
downstairs to the phone
“In typical Derek sty
huh, uh-huh, O.K., yeah
Tobin recalled. With lit
hung up and said he wa
Wild in the seventh rou
all. The Tobins screamed
Boogaard said he wa
bed. He had a headache.
A month later, he w
home of the Wild. An a
him into the team dressi
first time, he put on an N
And it fit.
Prince George jewelry store and longtime hosts
for the Cougars. Boogaard trailed a teammate
to their house and never wanted to leave.
“Derek was shy — oh my God was he shy,”
Mike Tobin said.
The house became Boogaard’s sanctuary.
He played video games in the basement and
made himself comfortable in the kitchen. He
brought other teenagers — not teammates,
usually, but assorted misfits he befriended at
school. He went to action movies with Mike and
tagged along on family outings. He helped run
the birthday party when the Tobins’ twin daughters turned 5 and had a giant bounce house in
the front yard.
Boogaard felt an instant kinship with Mike
Tobin — an affable man who treated Boogaard
less like a son than a little brother, who did not
finish school but built a successful business,
who drove nice cars and had a stately home on
the edge of town.
“He hated, hated, hated school,” Tobin said
of Boogaard. Imitating Boogaard’s deep voice
and sideways smirk, he added: “ ‘Look at Mike.
He didn’t finish school and he has a Porsche.’ ”
MARCUS YAM FOR THE NEW YO
The Phone Rings. It’s the N.H.L.
Boogaard, with a backlog of frustrations,
Local rinks
are
primary
gathering
places
throughout
Canada,
and
boys
often
play
hockey
soon
after
learning
walk.
Boogaard ultimately found refuge at the wanted to quit during training camp in 2000. to
He
home of Mike and Caren Tobin, owners of a
was 18. He called his father to tell him. He told
his teammates he had a plane ticket home. Tobin ultimately persuaded him to stay.
And, suddenly, Boogaard started to win
fights.
“His first year in the W.H.L., I think, it was
mostly adjusting to his frame, not knowing how
to use his reach,” Ryan Boogaard said. “I think
he felt more comfortable with that frame in his
second year in the W.H.L., and he did a lot better.”
He quickly avenged his broken-jaw loss
to Mike Lee. He beat Mat Sommerfeld, a rival
who had torn Boogaard’s name from the back
of his uniform and held it over his head after an
earlier conquest. One Web site put Boogaard’s
record at 18-4-4 in fights that season. One poll
named him the toughest player in the W.H.L.’s
Western Conference.
When Boogaard took the ice, a buzz rippled
through Prince George’s arena, which routinely
had capacity crowds of 5,995. One side of the
arena would shout “Boo!” and the other would
shout “Gaard!”
He scored only once in 61 games for Prince
George in 2000-1. He recorded 245 penalty minutes, ranking eighth in the W.H.L. He was, finally, an enforcer, appreciated by one team, feared
by all others.
“Whenever he would score or get a point,
they would cheer like it was the greatest thing,”
Swanson, the former sports editor, said. “It just
wasn’t something they expected. Whenever you
heard the name Derek Boogaard announced,
you expected it to be followed by, ‘Five-minute
major for fighting.’ ”
Yet, improbably, Boogaard found himself on
the ice during overtime of a playoff game.
“I was standing in front of the net and I
turned around and the puck was just sitting
there while the goalie thought he had the puck,”
Boogaard wrote. “I backhanded it into the net
and the game was over. It was an unbelievable
feeling. The guys came out of the bench and the
place was going nuts. It was the best feeling I
had the last 2 years.”
The television announcer called it “a miracle on ice.” It remains a highlight in Prince
George hockey history.
“I don’t think I ever saw our rink, or Derek,
that happy as the time he scored that goal,” said
Thompson, the former assistant coach.
The 2001 N.H.L. draft began on June 23,
Boogaard’s 19th birthday. Now of legal drinking
age, he spent the night mostly at the Iron Horse
Bar in Prince George with a couple of friends.
The next day, the phone rang at Joanne
Boogaard’s house in Regina. It was Tommy
Thompson, then the chief scout of the Minnesota Wild.
“I told her I was calling from the Minnesota
Wild and that we had drafted Derek,” Thompson
said. “She clearly was not expecting this call.
She said he was already on a team, in Prince
George. I said, ‘No, the N.H.L. draft.’ She said:
‘N.H.L.? You’ve got to be kidding.’ ”
Caren Tobin answered the ringing telephone in Prince George moments later. She ran
upstairs to the bedroom where Boogaard was
sleeping. She pounded on the door. Boogaard
answered in grunts and asked her to take a message. She coaxed him out of bed and downstairs
to the phone.
“In typical Derek style, he goes, ‘Uh-huh, uhhuh, O.K., yeah, O.K., thanks,’ ” Tobin recalled.
With little emotion, he hung up and said he was
drafted by the Wild in the seventh round, No. 202
over all. The Tobins screamed in excitement.
Boogaard said he was going back to bed. He
had a headache.
A month later, he was in St. Paul, home of
the Wild. An arena worker let him into the team
dressing room. For the first time, he put on an
N.H.L. uniform.
n
And it fit.
Blood
n the Ice
CMYK
Nxxx,2011-12-05,D,001,Bs-4C,E1
N
D1
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2011
Derek Boogaard
Age 27
Derek Boogaard
Age 27
By JOHN BRANCH
was in a bad position and he hit me hard, hardest I’ve ever been hit. I
didn’t lose consciousness, but I went straight on the ice. And I felt where
my face normally. It was a little chunky and sharp in spots and there was a
— TODD FEDORUK, former N.H.L. enforcer
ite in Minnesota and a man to avoid everywhere else in the dangerous, colorful and sometimes unhinged world of hockey enforcers.
Blood
Blood
Blood
On
the
Ice
On the
the Ice
On
Ice
PUNCHED OUT
THE LIFE AND DEATH
PART 2
Derek Boogaard
“I never fought mad. Because it’s a job,
Age 27
right? I never took it personally. Lot of
times when guys fight, you just ask the
other guy politely. Because the job is
Boogaardby
hard enough. Why make itDerek
harder
Age 27
having to insult anyone? We know
what the job is.”
mate, Fedoruk chased Boogaard down the ice.
He baited him with tugs on his jersey.
Seven seconds after their gloves
— GEORGES LARAQUE,
dropped, the damage was done. Surgeons informer N.H.L. enforcer
serted metal plates and a swath of mesh to rebuild the right side of Fedoruk’s face. His caThere has been fighting in hockey for
reer was never the same.
about as long as there have been pucks. Early
Message sent. Players around the league
games, on frozen ponds and outdoor rinks,
took notice of the Boogeyman.
were often scrumlike affairs with little pass“I knew sooner or later he would get the
ing. Without
strongBRANCH
rules, scores were settled
By JOHN
By JOHN BRANCH
better of me,” said Georges Laraque, long conwith swinging
sticks
and flying fists.
By
JOHN
BRANCH
BRANCH
sidered the toughest man
in hockey.
“And Iat all. I was
DIDN’T
SEE it coming
in N.H.L.,
a By
badJOHN
position
he
hit me
hard, hardest
I’ve ever been hit. I
The
formed
1917,
considered
DIDN’T SEE it coming
at all.
I was in a bad positionandin
and
he
hit
me ahard,
hardest I’ve ever been hit.
just — I like my face, andinstantly
I just didn’t
want
knew it
was to
broken.
I
didn’t
lose
consciousness,
but
I
went
straight
on
the
ice.
And I felt where
ban
oninfighting.
It ultimately
mandated
that
DIDN’T
SEE
it
coming
at
all.
I
was
a
bad
position
and
he
hit
me
hard,
hardest
I’ve ever been hit. I
have
it broken.”knew it itwas
fighters
assessed
penalty.
was, and
my handIdidn’t
rub
my
facebe
normally.
It wasaa five-minute
little but
chunky
sharp
in spots andon
there
wasice.
a
instantly
broken.
didn’t
lose
consciousness,
I and
went
straight
the
And I felt wher
Boogaard was
24,hole
in his
second
N.H.L.
seainstantly
knew
it the
was
broken.
loseContinued
consciousness,
but I went straight on the ice. And I felt where
on Page
there
about
size
of
a fist.”I didn’t
— TODD FEDORUK,
former N.H.L.
enforcerD3
itHe
was,
myestablished
hand
didn’t
rub
my
face normally. It was a little chunky and sharp in spots and there was
son.
was and
already
a fan
favorit was,
and my as
hand
didn’t
rub my face normally. It was a little chunky and sharp in spots and there was a
’I
‘I
II ‘I’I
Blood
On the Ice
The fist belonged to Derek Boogaard.
ite in Minnesota and a man to avoid every-
ole there about
theWhenever
size of
asize
fist.”
— TODD
FEDORUK,
former
enforcer
where else in the dangerous, colorful and somehe
opened
hisof
right
hand,
the finhole there
about
the
a fist.”
— TODD
FEDORUK,
N.H.L.
PUNC
Hformer
E D N.H.L.
O
U T enforcer
times unhinged world of hockey enforcers.
gers were bent and the knuckles were fat and
bloody with scar tissue, as if rescued a moTHE LIFE AND DEATH
ment too late from a meat grinder. That hand
“I never
mad. Because
it’s a
itefought
in
and
a job,
man
The fistto
belonged
to
Derek
Boogaard.
iteMinnesota
in Minnesota
andtoa avoid
maneveryto avoid ever
The fist belonged
Boogaard.
was, Derek
until the end,
what the family worried
right?where
I never else
took it
personally.
Lot of colorful and somein
the
dangerous,
Whenever he
opened
his
right
hand,
the
finabout
mosthand,
with Boogaard.
How would he
R T E2 D O U T
P U N PCA H
else
in
the
dangerous,
colorful
and som
times whenwhere
guys fight,
you just
ask the
henever he opened
his
right
the
fintimes unhinged world of hockey enforcers.
gers were bent
and
the
were fat and
write
when
he knuckles
got old?
other guy politely.
Because
the jobworld
is
times
unhinged
of
hockey
enforcers.
rs were bentbloody
and the
knuckles
were
fat
and
When
Boogaard
closed
his
right
hand,
with scar tissue, as if rescued a mohard enough. Why make it harder by
THE LIFE AND DEATH
was
a weapon,
the
mosthand
feared in
menttissue,
too latethough,
from
meat
grinder.
That
oody with scar
as
if itarescued
a mohaving to “I
insult
anyone?
We know
mate, Fedoruk
chased Boogaard
down the ice.
never
fought
mad. Because it’s a job,
the N.H.L. The thought of Boogaard’s right
OF A HOCKEY
ENFORCER
what the job is.”
was, until
the
end,
whatenforcers
the family
He baited him with tugs on his jersey.
ent too late from
a meat
That
hand
fistgrinder.
kept rival
awakeworried
at night. It
right?
I never
never took
it personally.
Lot of it’s a job,
“I
fought
mad. Because
Seven seconds
after
with them
Boogaard.
How
would
—when
GEORGES LARAQUE,
By JOHN
alter their
strategy
andhe
doubt
P A BRANCH
R
T 2 their gloves
times
guys fight, you just ask the
s, until the about
end, most
whatmade
thefighting
family
worried
dropped,
the
damage
was
done.
Surgeons
inright?
I
never
took
it
personally.
Lot of
their
acumen.
And,
in
the
case
of
former N.H.L. enforcer
write when he got old?
other
guybeen
politely.
DIDN’T
SEE
coming
at all.serted
I wasmetal
in aplates
bad
position
andof he
hittome
ever
hit. I Because the job is
and
aTswath
mesh
re- hard, hardest I’ve
out most with When
Boogaard.
How
would
heit his
Todd Fedoruk,
that
fisthis
shattered
face and
P
A
R
2
Boogaard
closed
right
hand,
times
when
guys
fight,
you
just
ask
the
build
the right
of Fedoruk’sbut
face.I went
His ca-straight on the ice.
dropped him to the
ice, all while
and
hard
enough.
Why
makefor
it harder by
instantly
knewofficials
it was broken.
I didn’t
lose side
consciousness,
And
Ifighting
felt where
There has
been
in hockey
ite when he got
old?it was
though,
a weapon,
theanmost
in
reer was never the same.
teammates
watched,
arenafeared
full of hockey
other
guy
politely.
Because
the
job
is
about
as
long
as
there
have
been
pucks.
Early
having
insult
We know
mate, Fedoruk
chased
was,
and Minnesota
my hand
face normally.
It Boogaard
was
a little
chunky
andice.
sharp in spots
and to
there
wasanyone?
a
Message
sent.
Players
around
thedown
leaguethe
the N.H.L.
The
thought
ofitBoogaard’s
Boogaard’s
rightdidn’t
fans cheered
Wild rub my
When Boogaard
closed
his and
right
hand,
games, on frozen
ponds
and
outdoor rinks,
whathard
the job
is.”
Hetook
baited
him
with
tugs N.H.L.
on his
jersey.
enough.
Why
make it harder by
notice
of the
Boogeyman.
teammates
banged
their
sticks
against
hole
there
about
the
size
ofItathe
fist.”
— TODD
FEDORUK,
former
enforcer
fist
kept
rival
enforcers
awake
at
night.
were
often
scrumlike
affairs
with
little
passough,MATT
it wasSHAW,
a weapon,
thecoach
most
in
“I knew sooner
or later
he would
get thegloves
boards
appreciation.
assistant
infeared
the N.H.L.
Seven
seconds
after
their
ing.
Without
strong
rules,
scores
were
settled
—
GEORGES
LARAQUE,
made them
alter in
their
strategy
and doubt
having
to
insult
anyone?
We know
mate,
Fedoruk
chased
Boogaard
down
ice.
better of the
me,”
said Georges
Laraque,
con-itethe
No
single punch
announced
theDerek
arrival
of dropped,
e N.H.L. Thetheir
thought
ofacumen.
Boogaard’s
right case
swinging
flyingeveryfists.
The
fist
belonged
to
inwith
Minnesota
andsticks
a manand
to avoid
damage
was
done.long
Surgeons
infighting
And,
in
ofBoogaard.
former
N.H.L.
enforcer
the
toughest
man
inhis
hockey.
“And Iwhere elseThe
a heavyweight
enforcer
thethe
way
didHe
on
Oct.
what
the
job
is.”
in the
dangerous,
colorful
and
somebaited
him
with
tugs
on
jersey.
Whenever
he opened
hisitright
hand,
the fin-sidered
N.H.L.,
formed
in
1917,
considered
a
UNCH
E Da swath
O U T of mesh to reserted metalPplates
and
t kept rival Todd
enforcers
at
It
Fedoruk,
thatFedoruk,
fist
shattered
his
face
and
unhinged
world of hockey
enforcers.mandated that
gers
were
bent2and
the
knuckles
were
fat andjust — I like my face, and I just didn’t want to timesban
27,awake
2006.
6night.
feet
and
235
pounds,
had
on fighting.
It ultimately
Seven
seconds
after
their
right
Fedoruk’s
face. Hisgloves
cabloody
scar
tissue,
ifand
rescued
abuild
mo-havethe
it broken.”
a career
as
awith
nuisance
and as
willing
com— GEORGES
dropped
himbuilt
to the
ice,
all
while
officials
fighters
be assessed
ahas
five-minute
penalty.
ade them alter
their
strategy
and
doubt
THEside
LIFE of
AND
DEATH
There
been fighting
in hockey LARAQUE,
for
ment
too
late
from
a
meat
grinder.
That
hand
fought Continued
mad. Because
a job,
Boogaard
24,same.
in his
second
N.H.L.
sea- “I never
batant. Trying
toarena
avengefull
a hit of
thathockey
the dropped,
6-8 Boo- reer the
was
never
the
OF Awas
HOCKEY
ENFORCER
damage
was
done.
Surgeons
inonit’s
Page
D3
anthe
was,
until case
the end, what
the family
worried
eir fighting teammates
acumen. watched,
And,
in
of
about
as
long
as
there
have
been
pucks.
Earlyenforcer
former
N.H.L.
right?
I
never
took
it
personally.
Lot
of
son.
He
was
already
established
as
a
fan
favorgaard had laid
an with
Anaheim
Ducks
teamabouton
most
Boogaard.
How
would he Message sent. Players around the league
The fist belonged to Derek
rival enforcers awake at night. It
Boogaard. Whenever he opened
made them alter their strategy
PUNCHED OUT
his right hand, the fingers were
and doubt their fighting acumen.
LIFE AND
her player
the
bench
willing
toDEATH
bent andin
the
knuckles
werethat
fat is THE
And, in the case of Todd Fedoruk,
and to
bloody
with scar
tissue,
as good
if
that fist shattered his face and
willing
punch
you
is a
deterrent
rescued a moment too late from a
dropped him to the ice, all while
nce onmeat
thegrinder.
ice —
as
crazy
as
that
sounds.’
That hand was, unofficials and teammates watched,
til the end, what the family woran arena full of hockey fans
ried about most with Boogaard. How would he cheered and Boogaard’s Minnesota Wild teamwrite when he got old?
mates banged their sticks against the boards in
When Boogaard closed his right hand, appreciation.
P A R Ta 2swath
fans cheered
and Boogaard’s
Minnesota
when games,
guys fight,
you
ask the ponds
sertedfeared
metal plates
and
of single
meshtimes
to punch
rethough,
was
a write
weapon,
the Wild
most
in the
No
announced
theandarrival
a
onjust
frozen
outdoor of
rinks,
dd Fedoruk, that fistitshattered
hiswhen
face
he gotand
old?
other guy politely. Because the job is
teammates banged their
sticks
against
the
When
Boogaard
closed his
right
hand,
were
often
scrumlike
affairs with little passbuild
the
right
side
of
Fedoruk’s
face.
His
cahard
enough.
Why
make
it
harder
by
opped himN.H.L.
toboards
the ice,
all
while
officials
and
thought
Boogaard’s
right
heavyweight
enforcer
the
way
it been
did
on
Oct. 27,
though, of
it was
a weapon, the most feared
in “I fist
knewkept
sooner or later
he would gethaving
the
inThe
appreciation.
There
has
fighting
in hockey f
ing.anyone?
Without
strong
rules,
scores
were settled
to insult
We
know
mate, Fedoruk
Boogaard down the ice.
the N.H.L. The thought of Boogaard’s
right never
reer was
the chased
same.
Blood
On the Ice
‘I’I
betterHe
ofbaited
me,”him
said
Laraque, long what
con-the jobwith
ammates watched,
an arena
of hockey
is.” about
withGeorges
tugs on his jersey.
No single
punch full
announced
the arrival
swinging
flying fists.
fist kept rival enforcers
awakeof
at night. It
as sticks
long and
as there
have been pucks. Ear
Seven
seconds
after
their
glovesthe
— GEORGES
LARAQUE,
sidered the
toughest
manaround
in hockey.
“And
I
sent.
Players
league
made
them
alter
strategy
doubt
a heavyweight
enforcer
the
way
it their
did on
Oct.andMessage
KLUCKHOHN/NHLI,
VIA considered
GETTY IMAGESa
ns cheered and
Boogaard’s
Minnesota
Wild
TheBRUCE
N.H.L.,
formed
in ponds
1917,
dropped, the damage was done. Surgeons ingames,
on
frozen
and outdoor rink
their fighting acumen. And, in the case of
former
N.H.L.
enforcer
just
—serted
I like
my
face,
I just
didn’t
27, 2006.their
Fedoruk,
6 feet
2 Fedoruk,
and 235
pounds,
had
metal
plates
andand
a swath
of mesh
to re- want to
took
notice
of
the
Boogeyman.
ban on fighting. It ultimately mandated that
Todd
that
fist shattered
his face
and
ammates banged
sticks
against
the
PAUL BERESWILL/GETTY IMAGES
PAUL BERESWILL/GETTY
IMAGES
Derek Boogaard usually won his fights as an enforcer in the N.H.L., but he ultimately struggled with an addiction to prescription painkillers.
PAUL BERESWILL/GETTY IMAGES
er in the N.H.L., but heDerek
ultimately
Boogaard
struggled
usually
with
won
an his
addiction
fights as
to an
prescription
enforcer inpainkillers.
the N.H.L.,
but he ultimately stru
forcer in the N.H.L., but he ultimately struggled with an addiction to prescription painkillers.
Blood on the Ice
od
on
the
Ice
Blood
on
the
ood on the Ice
2006. Fedoruk, 6 feet 2 and 235 pounds, had built
a career as a nuisance
right?
took
itleftpersonally.
times
originates (bothand
playerswilling
must agree,combatant.
slowly.of
King
orbited. He batted at air,
King drifted to center
ice, caughtIupnever
the collar
with his
hand and lock his Lot
From First Sports Page
and they usually do because of a fraby the spectacle. Boogaard stopped
arm. From that distance, opponents gauging distance and reach. Finally,
Trying to avenge
a hit
the 6-8
Boogaard
hadleaving the
when
guys could
fight,
you
just ask
the
other
guy
ternal
bond that
of responsibility)
to how
it
stabbed
with his left hand and,
halfway there,
men comicalnot reach
Boogaard’s
face with
a King
That interpretation of justice, now Rule
ends (with a modest glide to the penalty
far apart. Boogaard stood firm, a matswing. But he could shake them off bal- head down, swung at the bigger man
46.14, still stands.
has never
been
laidIt on
an Anaheim
Ducks teammate, lyador
Fedoruk
politely.
the
job
box).
with his right. Why
awaiting the bull. King,
6-3 and 230Because
ance or torture
them
with is
jabshard
of a left enough.
much of a deterrent.
No sticks. Hands must be bare. FaceBoogaard blocked it. He grabbed King
pounds, drifted toward him, as if pulled
fist full of jersey until he found a chance
The best way
to protect top
players
chased
Boogaard
down
He
himgravity. make it harder
bycocked
having
anyone?
with
a left arm bentWe
at the elbow. King
protecting
visors the
are notice.
worn by
mostbaited
by Boogaard’s
to uncoil his
right arm.to insult
from violent onslaughts, teams have
to indicate that their face is
“The referee just looked at them and
“I want to get in tight,” King said, an- delivered two left-hand punches to Boolong believed, with
is the threat
of more
tugs
onvio-hisenforcers
jersey.
know
whatalyzing
the
job
is.”
gaard’s
face
“just
to
get him thinking,”
open
for business.
said, ‘O.K., boys, let’s
get it going
video of the fight. “I want to
lence, like having a missile in a silo.
The fight ends when a player falls or
here,’” one television announcer said.
come and switch up, throw some lefts King said.
Teams
employ
on-ice
bruisers,
the
originates
(both
players
must
agree,
Seven
seconds
after
gloves
dropped,
King drifted
to center
ice,
caught
drifted
to center
ice,voice
caught
up a
GEORGES
LARAQUE,
the collar
his left hand
lock
hisKing
King
orbited.
He
batted
The
announcer’s
rose
to a shout.
the
action
slows totheir
a up
stall, like
popcorn
right
away and
then —
goslowly.
back
and throw
“Thiswith
is a super-heavyweight
bout,”and
equivalent
of
playground
bodyguards.
after all but the last kernels are popped.
“Boogaard fighting back!” he said, as
From
First
Sports
Page
rights. All I want to do is be tight and
his broadcast
partner
said, his voice
risand they
usually
do
because
of
a
fragauging
distance
and
reach.
Fi
by
theKing
spectacle.
Boogaard
stopped
by
the
spectacle.
Boogaard
stopped
arm.
From
that
distance,
opponents
one
of us,
anddrifted
we will send
out
the
damage
was
done.
Surgeons
inserted
metal
former
N.H.L.
enforcer
,Hurt
to
center
ice,
caught
collar
with
his
left
hand
and
lock
his
slowly.
King
orbited.
He
batt
Officials
slide
between the up
men
and the
Boogaard,
half
a
foot
taller,
thundered
a
throw as much as possible.”
ing with excitement.
someone bigger, tougher to exact resteer
themcomicalaway. ternal
Teammates could
cheer of
couple with
ofthe
right men
hands
on
top ofhand
King’s
Boogaard
stood
inKing
place,
turning
Boogaard
liked to
grab opponents
by face
bond
responsibility)
to
how
it
stabbed
his
left
halfway
there,
leaving
the
men
halfway
there,
leaving
comicalnot
reach
Boogaard’s
with
a
-venge.by the
gauging
distance
and
reach
spectacle.
Boogaard
stopped
arm.
From
that
distance,
opponents
plates and a swath
ofregardless
meshof the
tooutcome.
rebuild the right
their own,
head. The helmet absorbed most of the
“Having another player
in the bench now
nterpretation
of justice,
Rule
beating.
King feltat
itfirm,
only
after
the
adren“There’s
no a
better
feeling (with
when
the a modest
ends
glide
the
penalty
headKing
down,
swung
the
apart.
Boogaard
stood
firm,
matlywith
far
apart.
Boogaard
stood
abigger
matswing.
Butnot
he
couldtoshake
them
off
baltlythatfar
stabbed
his
left
h
there,
the
men
comicalcould
reach
Boogaard’s
face
a
ishalfway
willing side
to come
overFedoruk’s
and leaving
willing
of
face.
His
career
was
never
the
There
has
been
fighting
in
hockey
forwith
about
aline faded.
boys been
get a rise from you showing up,
still
stands.
has
never
to punch
you is a good It
deterrent
for othbox).
with
his
right.
ador
awaiting
the
bull.
King,
6-3
and
230
ador
awaiting
the
bull.
King,
6-3
and
230
ance
or
torture
them
with
jabs
of
a
left
“It’s
the
hardest
bone
in
the
body
and
putting
yourself
out
there,”
Fedoruk
yer violence
head
down,
swung
at
the
big
ly far
apart.
Boogaard
stood
firm,
a
matswing.
But
he
could
shake
them
off
balon same.
the
ice — as crazy
as that
as long as there have been pucks.it’sEarly
not goinggames,
to daze you as much as getsaid. “I’m getting chills right now just
of
a deterrent.
sounds,”
said drifted
Matt Shaw, toward
an assistant him,
No230
sticks.
Hands
must
bethem
bare.
FaceBoogaard
blocked
it.as
Heifingrabbed
pounds,
as ifabout
pulled
pounds,
drifted
toward
him,
pulled
fist full
of or
jersey
until
he
found
ajabs
chance
ting
hit, especially,
like,
the temple
withrinks,
his
right.
fromKing,
talking
it.”
ador
awaiting
the bull.
6-3
and
ance
torture
with
of
a left
coach
for
the
N.H.L.’s
San
Jose
Sharks.
Message
sent.
Players
around
the
league
on
frozen
ponds
and
outdoor
were
often
area or the chin area,”
King said.
best
way
to
protect
top
players
When his cheek was
crushed by Boo- visors are not worn by most
with
a
left
arm
bent
at
the
elbow.
protecting
by
Boogaard’s
gravity.
by Boogaard’s
gravity.
to uncoil his cocked right arm.
Teams
did not hesitate
to promote
the
-prospect
Boogaard
blocked
it.
He
grab
pounds,
drifted
toward
if
pulled
King blindly
threw three
right
hands
gaardhim,
in 2006,as
Fedoruk’s
first thought fist full of jersey until he found a chance
of aonslaughts,
ruckus.
Fighting
wasteams
not the Boogeyman.
took
notice
of
scrumlike
affairs
with
little
passing.
Without
violent
have
that
punched
the
air.
A
fourth
bashed
was
to
“save
face”
and
skate
off
the
ice.
delivered
two
left-hand
punches
to
enforcers
to
indicate
that
their
face
is
referee
just
looked
at
them
and
“The
referee
just
looked
at
them
and
“I
want
to
get
in
tight,”
King
said,
annecessary,
they believed,
but
also
with
a
left
arm
bent
at
the
elb
tjust“The
by Boogaard’s
gravity.
to
uncoil
his
cocked
right
arm.
Boogaard in the nose and broke it.
He did.
elieved,
is the
threat
more
viopart of hockey’s
allure.
Nearly
halfof
ofsooner
“I
knew
or
later
hefor
would
get
theof the
strong
rules,
scores
were
settled
with
swinging
gaard’s
face
“just
to
get
him
think
business.
More
than
anything,
Boogaard
hated
“Their bench
wasopen
cheering
like
you
‘O.K.,
boys,
let’s
get
it
going
said,
‘O.K.,
boys,
let’s
get
it
going
alyzing
video
fight.
“I
want
to
delivered
two
left-hand
punche
ssaid,
“The
justinlooked
at them and
N.H.L. games,
600 orreferee
in a typical
“I want to get in tight,” King said, anhit on the nose. It had been surdo a
when
your teammate gets a guy,”
like
amoremissile
silo.
season, having
pause
for a television
two-man
better
ofbrawl.
me,”
said
Laraque,
long
consticks
and
flying
fists. toKing
said. getting
The
fight
ends
a up,
player
falls
or“I lefts
here,’”
one
announcer
here,’”
onegaard’s
television
announcer
said.
come
and when
switch
throw
some
gically
repaired
less than
year before.
FedorukGeorges
said.said.
“I remember
skating
by alyzing
face
“just
to aget
him
said,
‘O.K.,
boys,
video
of
the
fight.
want
“I went
to a fight
the other night
and let’s get it going
their bench.
“Oh! And King stuns Boogaard,” the
employ
on-ice
bruisers,
the
a hockey
gamesidered
broke
out,”
the
comedithe
toughest
man
in
hockey.
“And
I
just
The
N.H.L.,
formed
in
1917,
considered
a
ban
The
announcer’s
voice
rose
to
as
the
action
slows
to
a
stall,
like
popcorn
right
away
and
then
go
back
and
throw
“This
is
a
super-heavyweight
bout,”
“This
is
a
super-heavyweight
bout,”
King said.
ran Rodney
announcer shouted. And just as he said
“Their faces kind said.
of lost expression come and switch up, throw some lefts
here,’”
oneused
television
announcer
Dangerfield
to say.bodyguards.
Evlent
of
playground
it, Boogaard
threwback!”
a right hand
that
because I think theyafter
seen — you
could
all
but
the
last
kernels
are
popped.
“Boogaard
fighting
he
sa
eryone
still
gets
the
joke.
— I is
like
face,
andvoice
I justrisdidn’t
want All
to have
ondo
fighting.
It ultimately
mandated
that
rights.
I want to
is be tight
and
broadcast
partner
said,
his
his broadcast
partner
said,
voicerose
risThe
announcer’s
nhisImagine
a my
super-heavyweight
bout,”
struck
Kingfighters
on his
the voice
forehead.
King’s t
see it. You could see the
damage that right away and then go back and throw
in football,
hit send
one
of “This
us,
andif a linebacker
we
will
out
white
helmet
flew
from
his
head.
was
done
because
the
cheekbone,
it
Officials
slide
between
the
men
and
Boogaard,
half
a
foot
taller,
thunde
as much
possible.”
ing
with
excitement.
ing with
what the partner
quarter.a quarterback
itwith
broken.”
be assessed
five-minute
penalty.
Thatroared.
inter- back!” h
“Boogaard
rights.
All as
I want
to do is bea tight
and excitement.
his
broadcast
said,
his
voice ris-throw
The crowdfighting
wasn’t
there
anymore.”
ne
bigger,
tougher
to exact
reback’s
team believed
was too much
steer
them
away.
Teammates
cheer
couple
of
right
hands
on
top
of
Thegrab
players
had
beentaller,
swinging
atK
Boogaard
to
grab
opponents
by
Boogaard
stood
in
place,
turning
Boogaard
liked
to
opponents
by
dforce.
Boogaard,
half
a
foot
thu
The
to
hockey’s
pecuthrow
as
much
as
possible.”
ingequivalent
with liked
excitement.
Boogaard was 24, in his second N.H.L. seapretation of justice, now Rule 46.14,
still stands.
each other for only eight seconds. Booliar brand of justice would be if those
“Derek would take
two or three
their
own,
regardless
of
the
outcome.
head.
The
helmet
absorbed
most
o
gaard
hit
King
on
top
of
his
bare
head.
r
couple
of
right
hands
on
top
liked
to
opponents
byas
Boogaard
stood
place,
turning
teams eachBoogaard
sent
a player
from
the sideson.
He
was
established
favorItanother
has in
never
been
much
of a deterrent.
punches
to land one good one.
He a fan
Todd Fedoruk,
enforcer,
had
a cheekbone
crushed
ving
another
player
inalready
thegrab
bench
King tagged Boogaard in the face again.
line — someone hardly valued for his
beating.
King
felt
it
only
after
the
a
“There’s
no better
feeling
when
the
wasn’t a defensive fighter.
I rehead.
The
helmet
absorbed
m
by Boogaard in October 2006, below. Fedoruk later
“Tale of the Tape” graphic, showing
skill as a player,
perhaps
rarely
used and
—
in Minnesota
and
aheman
The
best
way to protect
top Aplayers
from
willing
toite
come
over
willing
member
said: ‘I to
hateavoid
guys that everywhere
became
a teammate
whom Boogaard
help. faded. heights and weights of the fighters,
a rise from
you
showing
up, relied on for aline
and had them interrupt the game to
beating.
King
it only
after t
e
hide. When I fight,boys
I’m goingget
to
popped
ontofelt
the screen
of the television
while
officials
chfightyou
is teammates
a
good
deterrent
for
othelse
inand
the
dangerous,
colorful
and
sometimes
violent
onslaughts,
teams
have
long
believed,
throw, and I’m going
to throw
broadcast.
“It’s
thefaded.
hardest
bone is
in the body
putting
yourself out there,” Fedoruk
stood back and watched.
aline
,
hard.
I don’t have an off switch.’
King steered Boogaard toward the
ence
on the
asworld
crazy
as
that
In football,
as inice
most—
sports,
such
unhinged
of
hockey
enforcers.
the threat
of more violence,
like
having
ayou
misit’s not“It’s
going
to hardest
daze
asa much
said.
getting chills right
now just
boards.
Boogaard
took
few
Anytime a fight didn’t
go his“I’m
way
the
bone
in more
thea
k
would end in ejections, fines
s,”conduct
Matt Shaw, an assistant
— a draw or maybe he thought he
andsaid
suspensions.
from talking about it.”
tor
lost — that would eat at him.”
Inthe
hockey,
it usually means
five
min- Sharks.
N.H.L.’s
San
Jose
utes in the penalty box and a spot in the
When
— JOHN
SCOTT,his cheek was crushed by Boopostgame
highlights.
ms
did not
hesitate to promote the
swings, but King was content to cling
ting it’s
hit,not
especially,
like,
intothe
te
tight.
Finally,
they came
rest mu
begoing
to asdaze
you
as
hind
the
goal,
officials
slipped
between
areating
or the
chin
area,” King
said.
hit,
especially,
in th
them.
Boogaard’s noselike,
was bleeding,
sile in a silo. Teams employ on-ice bruisers, the tended to reverse the momentum of a lopsided
equivalent of playground bodyguards. Hurt game. Some are a restless player’s way of provone of us, and we will send out someone bigger,
ing himself to his team.
tougher to exact revenge.
But there is generally order to the chaos,
Teams did not hesitate to promote the pros- unwritten rules of engagement, commonly
pect of a ruckus. Fighting was not just neces- called “the code.”
sary, they believed, but also part of hockey’s alIt covers everything from how a fight origilure. Nearly half of N.H.L. games, 600 or more nates (both players must agree, and they usuin a typical season, pause for a two-man brawl.
ally do because of a fraternal bond of responsi“I went to a fight the other night and a hock- bility) to how it ends (with a modest glide to the
ey game broke out,” the comedian Rodney Dan- penalty box).
gerfield used to say. Everyone still gets the joke.
No sticks. Hands must be bare. Face-proImagine in football, if a linebacker hit a tecting visors are not worn by most enforcers to
quarterback with what the quarterback’s team
indicate that their face is open for business.
believed was too much force. The equivalent to
The fight ends when a player falls or the achockey’s peculiar brand of justice would be if
tion slows to a stall, like popcorn after all but the
those teams each sent a player from the sidelast kernels are popped. Officials slide between
line — someone hardly valued for his skill as a the men and steer them away. Teammates cheer
player, perhaps rarely used — and had them intheir own, regardless of the outcome.
terrupt the game to fight while teammates
When his cheek was crushed by Boogaard
Byand
JOHN BRANCH
officials stood back and watched.
in 2006, Fedoruk’s first thought was to “save
DIDN’T
SEEas
it coming
all. I was
in conduct
a bad position
andand
he hit
me off
hard,
In
football,
in mostatsports,
such
face”
skate
thehardest
ice. HeI’ve
did.ever been hit. I
instantly
it wasfines
broken.
didn’t lose consciousness,“Their
but I went
straight
on the ice.
And
I felt
where
would
end in knew
ejections,
andI suspensions.
bench
was cheering
like
you
do when
it was,
and my
didn’t
rub myfive
faceminutes
normally. It was
little chunkygets
and sharp
in Fedoruk
spots and said.
there “I
was
a
In
hockey,
it hand
usually
means
youra teammate
a guy,”
rein
the
penalty
boxsize
and
spot in— the
skating by their bench.
hole
there
about the
of aa fist.”
TODDpostgame
FEDORUK, formermember
N.H.L. enforcer
highlights.
“Their faces kind of lost expression because
in you
Minnesota
andsee
a man
avoidcould
everyThe
fist belonged
to Derek
Boogaard.in most hockey
Fighting
is not
tolerated
I think they seenite—
could
it.toYou
where else in the dangerous, colorful and someWhenever he opened his right hand, the finUN
CHED
U T damagetimes
leagues
around
the world.
Itand
is not partP of
colseeO the
that
wasworld
done
because
unhinged
of hockey
enforcers. the
gers were bent
and the knuckles
were fat
bloody
with
scar
tissue,
as
if
rescued
a
molege hockey in the United States and Canada,
cheekbone,
it wasn’t there anymore.”
THE LIFE AND
DEATH
ment too late from a meat grinder. That hand
nor
international
tournaments
was, until
the end, what the
family worried like the Olymright? I never took it personally. Lot of
about most with Boogaard. How would he
PART 2
pics.
“Derek would times
takewhen
twoguys
or fight,
three
youpunches
just ask the to
write when he got old?
other
guy
politely.
Because
the job is
But Boogaard
it is a mainstay
of North
land one good one.hard
Heenough.
wasn’t
a defensive
fightWhen
closed his right
hand, American proWhy make it harder by
though,
it
was
a
weapon,
the
most
feared
in
fessional
leagues,
stretching
from
the
N.H.L.
to
er.
I
remember
he
said:
‘I
hate
guys
that
hide.
having
to
insult
anyone?
We
know
mate, Fedoruk chased Boogaard down the ice.
the N.H.L. The thought of Boogaard’s right
what theto
jobthrow,
is.”
He baited him
with tugs on
his jersey.
small-town
minorawake
andatjunior
PropoWhen
I fight, I’m going
and I’m gofist kept rival enforcers
night. It leagues.
Seven seconds after their gloves
— GEORGES LARAQUE,
made
them
alter
their
strategy
and
doubt
nents
believe
the
sport
is
so
fast
and
so
prone
to
ing
to
throw
hard.
I
don’t
have
an
off switch.’
dropped, the damage was done. Surgeons intheir fighting acumen. And, in the case of
serted
metal
plates
and
a
swath
of
mesh
to
recontact
that
needs
players
to police the shadAnytime a fight didn’t go his way — a draw or
Todd Fedoruk,
thatitfist
shattered
his face and
build the right side of Fedoruk’s face. His cadropped
him to between
the ice, all while
officials
and
There has been fighting in hockey for
owy
areas
legal
hits
and
dirty
play.
reer was never the same. maybe he thought he lost — that would eat at
teammates watched, an arena full of hockey
about as long as there have been pucks. Early
Message
sent.
Players
around
the
league
With and
a mix
of menace
and
muscle, enforcers
him.”
fans cheered
Boogaard’s
Minnesota
Wild
games, on frozen ponds and outdoor rinks,
teammates banged their sticks against the
were often scrumlike
with SCOTT,
little passsettle
grievances
and
slights
between
teams,
be
—affairs
JOHN
“I knew sooner or later he would get the
boards in appreciation.
ing. Without strong rules, scores were settled
better
of
me,”
said
Georges
Laraque,
long
conthey
imagined
ortheconcocted
as an excuse
N.H.L.
enforcer
No real,
single punch
announced
arrival of
with swinging sticks and
flying fists.
sidered the toughest man in hockey. “And I
a heavyweight enforcer the way it did on Oct.
The N.H.L., formed in 1917, considered a
for
disorder.
Sometimes
fights
are
spontanejust — I like my face, and I just didn’t want to
27, 2006. Fedoruk, 6 feet 2 and 235 pounds, had
ban on fighting. It ultimately mandated that
have
broken.” a
ous
a and
punch
toitavenge
D. J. King has
watched
the video
dozens
of
built acombustions,
career as a nuisance
willingthrown
comfighters
be assessed
a five-minute
penalty.
Boogaard was 24, in his second N.H.L. seabatant. Trying to avenge a hit that the 6-8 BooContinued
onthe
Pagepart
D3 where
perceived
cheap
shot.
Others
are
premeditated
times.
He
still
pauses
the
fight
on
son. He was already established as a fan favorgaard had laid on an Anaheim Ducks teamaffairs, to settle simmering disputes — whether the Minnesota Wild’s Derek Boogaard, a second
from last period or last season. Some are inafter getting his nose broken, slugged King on
Blood
On the Ice
‘I’I
‘Having another player in the bench that is willing to
come over and willing to punch you is a good deterrent
for other violence on the ice — as crazy as that sounds.’
MATT SHAW, assistant coach in the N.H.L.
rdless of the outcome.
originates (both players must agree,
better
feeling whenand
thethey usually do because of a frat Sports Page
e from you showingternal
up, bond of responsibility) to how it
nlfof out
justice,
now Rule
ends (with a modest glide to the penalty
there,”
Fedoruk
It has never been
box).
ng
t. chills right now just
No sticks. Hands must be bare. Faceout
it.”
o protect top players
protecting visors are not worn by most
aughts,
haveby Booeek
wasteams
crushed
enforcers to indicate that their face is
he
threat of more
vio-thought
open for business.
Fedoruk’s
first
a missile in a silo.
The fight ends when a player falls or
ce” and
skate off
on-ice
bruisers,
the the ice.
King drifted to center ice, caught up
by the spectacle. Boogaard stopped
halfway there, leaving the men comically far apart. Boogaard stood firm, a matador awaiting the bull. King, 6-3 and 230
pounds, drifted toward him, as if pulled
by Boogaard’s gravity.
“The referee just looked at them and
said, ‘O.K., boys, let’s get it going
here,’” one television announcer said.
“This is a super-heavyweight bout,”
his broadcast partner said, his voice rising with excitement.
Boogaard liked to grab opponents by
head. The helmet absorb
the collar with his left hand and lock his slowly. King orbited
beating. King felt it only a
arm. From that distance, opponents gauging distance a
could not reach Boogaard’s facealine
with faded.
a King stabbed with
head
down, bone
swungi
swing. But he could shake them off“It’s
bal- the
hardest
with his
ance or torture them with jabs it’s
of a not
left going
to right.
daze you a
Boogaard blocked
fist full of jersey until he found a chance
ting hit, with
especially,
a left armlike,
bent
to uncoil his cocked right arm.
area
or
the
chin
area,”
Kin
delivered
two left-ha
“I want to get in tight,” King said, angaard’s threw
face “just
to
alyzing video of the fight. “I want
to blindly
King
thr
King said.
come and switch up, throw some
thatlefts
punched
the air. A
The announcer’s v
the action slows to a stall, like popcorn
right away and then go back and throw
Boogaard in
the nosefightin
and
yground bodyguards.
after all but the last kernels are popped.
“Boogaard
rights. All I want to do is be tight and
we will
send outlike Officials
More
than
anything,
B
hndwas
cheering
you slide between the men and
Boogaard,
half
a
foo
throw as much as possible.”
tougher to exact resteer them away. Teammates cheer
couple
of right
hand
on the
nose.
It
Boogaard stood in place, getting
turning hit
teammate gets a guy,”
head. The
helmet
gically repaired
less
thanab
“I
remember
skatingtheir
byown, regardless of the outcome.
r player
in the bench
beating. King felt it o
“There’s no better feeling when the
ome over and willing
“Oh!
And
King
stuns
B
aline faded.
boys get a rise from you showing up,
ood
deterrent
forexpression
othannouncer “It’s
shouted.
Andb
kind
of lost
the hardest
putting yourself out there,” Fedoruk
ce — as crazy as that
it’s notthrew
going to a
daze
said. “I’m getting chills right now just
it, Boogaard
ri
— you could
t they
Shaw,seen
an assistant
ting
hit,
especially,
from talking about it.”
struck King
on
the
for
ld San
seeJose
theSharks.
damage that
L.’s
area or the chin area
When his cheek was crushed by Booesitate to
promote
the
white helmet
flew
from
hi
ause
the
cheekbone,
it in 2006, Fedoruk’s first thought
King
blindly
threw
gaard
us.
Fighting
was
not
The crowd
roared. the ai
ymore.”
that punched
was to “save face” and skate off the ice.
ey believed, but also
Boogaardhad
in thebeen
nose
He did.
The players
allure. Nearly half of
More than anythin
“Their bench was cheering like you
each other
for only eight
or more in a typical
dtwo-man
take two
or three do when your teammate gets a guy,”
getting hit on the no
brawl.
gaard hitgically
Kingrepaired
on topless
of
Fedoruk
said.
“I
remember
skating
by
and
ht
theone
othergood
nightone.
and He
Todd Fedoruk, another enforcer, had a cheekbone crushed
King
tagged
Boogaard
their bench.
“Oh!
And Kingin
st
oke out,”fighter.
the comediensive
I re- “Their faces kind of lostby
announcer
shouted.
expression
Boogaard in October 2006, below. Fedoruk later
A “Tale of
the Tape”
gra
rfield used to say. Evit, Boogaard threw
because I think they seen — you could
eaid:
joke.‘I hate guys that
heights and
weights of
became a teammate whom Boogaard relied on for help.
struck King on th
fight,
I’m going
all,
if a linebacker
hitto see it. You could see the damage that
popped
onto
screen
o
whitethe
helmet
flew fro
was
done
because
the
cheekbone,
it
h what
thetoquarterm
going
throw wasn’t there anymore.”
broadcast.
The
crowd
roared.
eved was too much
The players
had
have
an off switch.’
King steered
Boogaar
ent
to hockey’s
pecueach other for only
MARCUS
YAM
FOR
THE
NEW
YORK
TIMES
ce
would
be
if
those
“Derek
would
take
two
or
three
boards. gaard
Boogaard
took
ght didn’t go his way
hit King on to
player from the sidepunches to land one good one. He
King
was
co
Todd Fedoruk, another enforcer, had a cheekbone crushed swings, but
maybe
he
thought
he
King
tagged
Boogaa
hardly valued for his
wasn’t a defensive fighter. I retight.
Finally,
as
they
ca
by
Boogaard
in
October
2006,
below.
Fedoruk
later
A
“Tale
of
the
Tape
would
atused
him.”
erhaps eat
rarely
—
member he said: ‘I hate guys that
and weigh
became a teammate whom Boogaard relied on for help. hind the heights
goal, officials
sl
terrupt the game to
hide. When I fight, I’m going to
—
popped onto the scre
JOHN
SCOTT,
mates and officials
them.
Boogaard’s
nose
throw, and I’m going to throw
broadcast.
tched.
N.H.L. enforcer
and blood was
a
hard. I don’t have an off switch.’
King smeared
steered Boo
n most sports, such
head.
boards.
Boogaard
Anytime
a
fight
didn’t
go
his
way
d in ejections, fines
swings,
butabout
King w
— a draw or maybe he thought he
The fight
lasted
a
s watched the video doztight. Finally, as the
lost
—
that
would
eat
at
him.”
ually
means
five
min“That
was
a
dandy!”
e still pauses the fight on
hind
the
goal,
officia
box and a spot in the
— JOHN SCOTT,
said, and them.
his partner
laugn
ets.
the Minnesota Wild’s
Boogaard’s
N.H.L. enforcer
andwere
blood was
smea
d, a second
Replays
shown.
olerated
in mostafter
hock- getting
dn,the
world. It King
is not on the
slugged
repaired head.
the gouges in th
The fight lasted ab
D. J. King has watched the video dozockey
in the
United
is helmet
flying.
shavings to“That
cover
thea bloo
was
dand
ens of times. He still pauses the fight on
da, nor international
d
to
count
the
number
of
King
went
to
pen
said, and histhe
partner
the part where the Minnesota Wild’s
he Olympics.
Derek
Replays
were aro
sho
helmet
madeAmeribefore it
hit Boogaard, a second after getting
wrapped an
icy towel
stay of North
his nose broken, slugged King on the
leagues,
stretching
im.
He thinks
it was 12.
ied hands.repaired the gouges
head and sent his helmet flying.
shavings to cover the
to
small-town
lung
it aboutminor
five feetKing
in has tried to count the number of
“The scar
tissue
King
went in
to th
the
s. Proponents believe
” and
King
said, towith
up so much
that an
when
yo
revolutions his helmet made before it hit
wrapped
icy towe
so prone
con- a tinge
the ice behind him. He thinks it was 12.
comes offied
inhands.
chunks now,”
players to police the
“The punch flung it about five feet in
“The
scar tissue
legal The
hits and
Boogaard
headed
to th
htween
14, 2010.
game bethe air, I think,” King said, with a tinge
up so much that whe
He
missed
the
next
five
ga
and
the
St.
Louis
Blues
of
awe.
comes
off
in
chunks
n
enace and muscle, enld. King
and Boogaard,
Boogaard headed
It was March 14, 2010. The game bevances
and slights
beHe missed the next f
tween the Wild and the St. Louis Blues
hey Saskatchewan,
real, imagined or knew
al
“When a team scores,
was minutes old. King and Boogaard,
excuse
disorder.Hockey
m
the for
Western
the team“When
that scored
w
both from rural Saskatchewan, knew
are spontaneous coma team sco
hey
were
teenagers
and other from the Western Hockey
each
thrown
to avenge
a
their
feet.
But
when
th
the
team
that
scor
wereOthers
similarly
reliant
on when they were teenagers and
League,
shot.
are pretheir feet.gets
But whe
fight, everyone
on
their ambitions were similarly reliant on
to settle simmering
fight, everyone ge
their
fists.
er
from
last
period
or
— GEORGE
in the casual language of
— GEO
are intended to reThey barked in the casual language of
wanna
Let’senforcers:
go.
ntum
of a go?
lopsided
You wanna go? Let’s go.
pped
stickway
fromEach
his man dropped his stick from his
restlesshis
player’s
Among Among
the hundreds
the hund
to hisshook
team. their gloves,
right hand. They shook their gloves,
hey
hockeycatalogued
clips catalog
hockey
clips
nerally
order to the
ternet, almost all of t
uch
occasions,
to theworn
ice.loose for such occasions, to the ice.
ternet, almost
all of them
rules of engagement,
They pushed up their sleeves. It was
favorite of family an
up
their
sleeves.
It
was
the code.”
just another fight — yet memorable and
favorite of family
and on
frie
Continued
F
ANDY KING/BRUCE KLUCKHOHN PHOTO
ht
—from
yethow
memorable
and
hing
a fight
telling.
ANDY KING/BRUCE KLUCKHOHN PHOTO
Continued on Follow
‘There’s no better feeling when the boys get a rise from you showing up,
putting
yourself
out the
there.
I’m getting
chillsfrom
right now
from talking
better
feeling
when
boys
get a rise
youjust
showing
up, about it.’
f out there. I’m getting chills right now just from talking about it.’
TODD FEDORUK, former N.H.L. enforcer
TODD FEDORUK, former N.H.L. enforcer
the head and sent his helmet flying.
citement.
King has tried to count the number of revoBoogaard liked to grab opponents by the collutions his helmet made before it hit the ice belar with his left hand and lock his arm. From that
hind him. He thinks it was 12.
distance, opponents could not reach Boogaard’s
“The punch flung it about five feet in the air,
face with a swing. But he could shake them off
-05,D,004,Bs-4C,E1
I think,” King said, with a tinge of awe. Nxxx,2011-12-05,D,004,Bs-4C,E1
balance or torture them with jabs of a left fist
It was March 14, 2010. The game between full of jersey until he found a chance to uncoil his
2-05,D,004,Bs-4C,E1
the Wild and the St. Louis Blues was minutes cocked right arm.
old. King and Boogaard, both from rural Sas“I want to get in tight,” King said, analyzing
E D4
NEW YORK TIMES,
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2011
N
NEW
YORK
TIMES,
katchewan, knew each other from the Western videoTHE
of the
fight.
“I want
toMONDAY,
come andDECEMBER
switch up, 5, 2011
HE NEW YORK
TIMES,
MONDAY,
DECEMBER
5,
2011
Hockey League, when they were teenagers and
throw some lefts right away and then go back
their
All I want to do is be tight and
PU
N ambitions
C H E Dwere
O similarly
U T reliant on their and throw rights.
PasUpossible.”
NCHED OUT
fists.
throw as much
P U They
N C barked
H E Din the
OU
T
casual
language of enBoogaard stood in place, turning slowly.
LIFE AND DEATH OF A HOCKEY
ENFORCER
forcers: You wanna go? Let’s go. Each man
King orbited. He batted at air, gauging distance
E LIFE AND DEATH OF A HOCKEY ENFORCER
dropped his stick from his right hand. They and reach. Finally, King stabbed with his left
shook their gloves, worn loose for such occa- hand and, head down, swung at the bigger man
sions, to the ice. They pushed up their sleeves. with his right.
It was just another fight — yet memorable and
Boogaard blocked it. He grabbed King with
telling.
a left arm bent at the elbow. King delivered two
King drifted to center ice, caught up by the left-hand punches to Boogaard’s face “just to
spectacle. Boogaard stopped halfway there, get him thinking,” King said.
leaving the men comically far apart. Boogaard
The announcer’s voice rose to a shout.
stood firm, a matador awaiting the bull. King,
“Boogaard fighting back!” he said, as
6-3 and 230 pounds, drifted toward him, as if Boogaard, half a foot taller, thundered a couple
pulled by Boogaard’s gravity.
of right hands on top of King’s head. The helmet
C“The
MYK
referee just looked Nxxx,2011-12-05,D,004,Bs-4C,E1
at them and said, absorbed most of the beating. King felt it only
‘O.K., boys, let’s get it going here,’ ” one televi- after the adrenaline faded.
THE NEW YORK TIMES, MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2011
sionD4announcer said.
“It’s the hardest bone in the body and it’s
“This is a super-heavyweight bout,”
his
not
to daze you as much as getting hit,
PUN
CHED
O Ugoing
T
broadcast partner said, his voice rising
with
ex- OF Aespecially,
like, in the temple area or the chin
THE LIFE
AND DEATH
HOCKEY ENFORCER
CMYK
N
In his notes about growing up in the rinks of western Canada, Derek Boogaard detailed the emotions that fighting stirred as he built his reputation.
ern Canada, Derek Boogaard
detailed
emotions
stirred
as he built
his MARCUS
reputation.
YAM FOR
THE NEW YORK
TIMES
In his
notes the
about
growingthat
up fighting
in the rinks
of western
Canada,
Derek
Boogaard
detailed
the emotions th
Blood on the Ice
tern Canada, Derek Boogaard detailed the emotions that fighting stirred as he built his reputation.
Wild coach, saw the impact Boogaard
— understated types with an alter ego
His personality was an understated
ers’ parking lot.
dach
and
ance
ooirped
su-
d at
anted
n,oach
it
Boooocasued at
enforcer, sometimes mocked as a goon
or euphemized as a tough guy, may be
hockey’s favorite archetype. Enforcers
are seen as working-class superheroes
But he was quick to do an interview
or sign on for charity work. He was
huge and imposing, yet laughed easily
and always kneeled to talk to children.
ove.
hedit
wn,
Boould
love.
dn’t
shed
urt
could
hat
ere
didn’t
hurt
naThat
there
Wild
the
minausWild
ons
f the
for
Rusere
ssons
ntold
for
where
mold
not
not
we
aid
we
ddin
said
ivein
rd
yGive
to
ay to
ed it.
othe
the
ast
Coast
batbatsosofof
rung
ung
an impact.”
—
ches.
hes.
Boooor the
the
pracraclone,
ne,
asics,
ics,
ough
ugh
fo
The wo
won
n the
won
yman
the
head
man
o.
ead
man,
When
an,
and
hen
d an
told
and
their
an
team
old
ce.
heir
id. “I
amto
ng
.
. “I
Wild’s
gn to
en-
enChithe
three
he gotontoathe
N.H
intoNovemb
having
wearon
th
having
perfec
ie the
in San
inJ
fect designer
glas
a fast-foo
ie
had toDerek
fit the part
wan
a
Len Boogaard
“So I De
go
on a three-game
Coke,
and
in November 2006
LenJose,
Booga
Co
ie in San
Ca
nally show
Le
a fast-food
plac
smal
Derekvery
wanted
roo
na
“Soand
I got
pit
a aCoke
ve
Coke,‘What?’
and wentan
Ab
Len Boogaard
sa
hand and
‘W
nally Dad.
showed
up
It’sha
th
very small, some
In junior
Da
and a Coke. And
about
‘What?’
And$50
that
final
ab‘
hand In
andhis
said:
$45,000.
Dad. It’s
the lifest
In
In juniors,
NowBoog
his
$4
aboutlong
$50 away
week
In histhe
final icy
year
pi
lon
$45,000.
fueled bythe
r
Now his salary
the radio.
fue
long way from th
the
the icy “Anytim
prairie
doing
fueledwas
by rink
bu
waving,”waL
the radio.
worry Iabou
“Anytime
wo
wa
was doing, thewo
h
waving,” Len Bo
“Myit,ba
worry about
Da
the floo
hand
ha
“My back
wak
ken
so
the floor everym
knuckle
hand has
been
ken somy
many
ti
mem
knuckle.
myFrom
mem
my memory
—
tle thin
my memory at
If you lo
tle things, and
since I w
If you look at t
since I300.
wasTh
16,
These
a
300. These are
Thesean
areimpa
fists
ted,
afted,
pooppoent.
ment.
d it.
Chie,
the
ld’s
gaard signed his first contract with the
Wild in 2003 and spent most of the
$50,000 bonus on a GMC Denali. He
liked the status it signaled in the play-
The worry wa
hands. Lik
hands. Like thos
Bo
ha
DerekDerek
Boogaard
JIM MONE/ASSOCIATED PRESS
mangled
—
De
mangled
— espec
JIM MONE/ASSOCIATED PRESSthat was
thatthe
was
t
ma
mo
work.
The
work.
The
rest
of
tha
Boogaard sent
Boogaard
sentD.D.J. J.
and mental,
he wo
lik
and menta
King’s helmet
flying
Boogaard
sent D. J.
King’s
helmet
flying
His sore
right
His
sore
an
in aa March
2010
King’s
helmet flying
in
March
2010
since since
he broke
he hi
b
fight,
above,
but
not
nose, crushed too
in a March
fight, above,
but not2010
nose,
crush
sin
before King broke
was bent, like tha
fight,broke
above, but not
before
King
wassmells
bent,
nos
ter who
his nose. King, left,
ter
who
sm
before
King
broke
his
nose.
King,
left,
that direction. wa
In
says one cost of the
that
direct
ter
back
was
so
per
his
nose.
King,
left,
says
one
cost
of
the
bare-knuckle
back not
was
once could
st
tha
cost of the
bare-knuckle
fighting says
is scarone
tissue
skates.
once could
ba
bare-knuckle
fighting
is scar
on the hands
thattissue
“Being
the guy
skates.
on
“comes
off
in that
fighting
is scar tissue
on
the hands
show that
painsk
ant
“Being
chunks.”on
was kind
suck
“comes
offthe
in hands that
showofthat
Todd Fedoruk, w
“comes off in
chunks.”
sh
Wild was
aboutkind
a yea
Todd
Fedo
chunks.”
face-crushing wa
blo
To
2006. Wild abou
Theface-crush
men becam
W
by their
bout but
2006.
fac
The men
20
by their bo
by
n hockey parlance
he Ducks chirped
or euphemized as a tough guy, may be
hockey’s favorite archetype. Enforcers
are seen as working-class superheroes
having to wear th
having the perfec
fect designer gla
had to fit the part
Len Boogaard
on a three-game
in November 200
ie in San Jose, Ca
a fast-food plac
Derek wanted roo
“So I got a pit
Coke, and went b
Len Boogaard sa
nally showed up
very small, som
and a Coke. And
‘What?’ And tha
hand and said:
Dad. It’s the lifest
In juniors, Boo
about $50 a week
In his final year i
$45,000.
Now his salary
long way from t
MARCUS YAM FOR THE NEW YORK the
TIMESicy prairie
fueled by rink bu
One of his minor league teams, the Houston Aeros, the radio.
had a Boogaard bobblehead. The fists bobbled, too. “Anytime I wo
was doing, the
waving,” Len B
worry about it, D
or sign on for charity work. He was
huge and imposing, yet laughed easily
and always kneeled to talk to children.
Wild in 2003 and spent most of the
$50,000 bonus on a GMC Denali. He
liked the status it signaled in the play-
eon
crowd
done something else.”
roadchanted
Finally,
here
that Coach
There
is pain,
area,”
King
said.of course. But fear, too.
e the signal. Booyou casu- “Imagine
you gothrew
pick a guy
that’sright
6-4, hands
e can
and skated
King blindly
three
yhes.
feet?
He looked 220
at pounds, and say, ‘Why don’t we
A days,
fourth
d shrugged.
m
in the that
meetpunched
here on thethe
streetair.
in two
and bashed
screwed
down,
it
theand
nose
it.
he want- Boogaard
we’ll slug in
it out
seeand
how broke
it goes?’”
said Joanne BooMyhres
said.
“I
guarantee
you’ll
be
a hated
More
than
anything,
Boogaard
r.
mess.” hit on the nose. It had been surgind
in the
rd felt
suchgetting
love.
had smashed Add the pressure of thousands of
ae he
trainer
lessand
than
a yearmore
before.
s because
could
ging
andhe cally
fansrepaired
in the arena
countless
“Oh! And
King stuns
Boogaard,”
the
a fight.
watching
on television
and judging
on
o fight, he didn’t
the Internet,
of teammates
and coachked
shouted.
And just
as he said it,
idn’t Boohave toannouncer
hurt
es, roster spots and contracts, and of
he
could
gaard
said. “That
threw a right hand that struck
d just
out Boogaard
there
knowing that any fight could be the end
ter
R.goHe
King
the forehead. King’s white helmet
of a on
career.
e and determinamost players, enforcers
neurolofromthan
his head.
se,
when theflew
Wild More
gaze
ahead
on
schedule. They know
ate round
how of the
enth
The crowdthe
roared.
rained
that the game in Calgary will entail a
k
andwith
he a RusThe players
had
continued lessons
bearings
rematch
of a fight
lostbeen
last swinging
time. That at each
He was sent
for
other
only
eight
seconds.
Boogaard
hit
probable
gamefor
against
Edmonton
will need
an
or leagues, where
ve?
Booanswer
for
the
cheap
shot
laid
on
a
star
coaches to King
mold on top of his bare head. King tagged
eL.said.
player.
enforcer.
Boogaard
in the face again. A “Tale of
coaches
.H.L.
in-did not “I’ve had times where, going into a
nations.
Tape”
graphic,
showing
heights
and
, usually the
game,
I know
I’m going
to get into
a
a chance, and we
hope
defight,”
the
Chicago
Blackhawks
enforcweights
of
the
fighters,
popped
onto
the
screen
of them fights, one is a favorite of family and
to help him,” said
one knows.
“He’s like, ‘Man, these things work
ability
to of er
John
Scott
said.
“Just
the
thought
of
ched Boogaard
in
“My back wak
the television broadcast.
friends.
It iswas
from
finalgood,’”
minutes
of arecalled.
Wild
Fedoruk
But the hands?
All it took
onethereally
getting into a fight, I just lay there,
d the N.H.L. “Give
the floor every
steered
boards.
game against
the visiting
Anaheim
look.
Even the playoff
medical examiner
who
Boogaard
and Fedoruk
methand
as boys
at
willed
his7 way awake.
to King‘O.K.,
whatBoogaard
am I going toward
to do?’ the
has been
ey,
6 or
performed
Boogaard’s
autopsy
noted
camp
for
the
Regina
Pats
in
1998.
Altook
a few
more swings,
ken so many t
Ducks on April 17, 2007.
I’m nervous.
I’ve
got butterflies
in mybut King was
id, ‘Hey Boogaard
ter being drafted,
scars.
a decade later, Fedoruk,
three
knuckle.
From
stomach.
probably
one hour
going
toI’ll
cling
tight.get
Finally,
asoftheythecame
to
The teams stirredmost
a dislike
for each other
body at to
an content
oppomy memory
—
years
older,
was
a
teammate,
mentor
“He
would
fight
and
his
knuckles
sleep.
It’s
exciting,
nerve-racking
and
ing
your
the last moment.
rest
behind
the
goal,
officials
slipped
between
during
a
series
of
hits
and
taunts.
Bickering
my
memory
at
would
be
pushed
back
into
the
wrist,”
and
confidant.
And
Boogaard
wanted
to
s anddone
shatteredterrifying
it.
all at the same time.”
ave
tle things, and
them.
Boogaard’s
nose
was
bleeding,
and
blood
continued
through
a
timeout.
The
Wild
led,
and
Len
Boogaard
said.
“And
then
he’d
have
know
about
painkillers.
of
the
rink.
er Brantt
There is no incentive to display
If you look at t
as assigned to the
to have it manipulated
andstood
have his
“Him knowing
my history,in
I think he
uld
have
weakness.
Most
enforcers
do not acwas
smeared
across
his forehead.
Boogaard
and jeered
— or chirped,
since I was 16,
of the East Coast
knuckles put back in place. His hands
knew
he
could
trust
me,”
Fedoruk
said.
knowledge
concussions,
at
least
until
300. These
are
in a year, he bat- The fight lasted about a minute.
hockey
— from
the bench. The Ducks
were a mess. My
concernparlance
was always,
“He could open up to me andThese
maybe
retire. Teams, worried that oppoHouston Aeros they
of
aretry
fists
“That
dandy!”
theparts,
announcer
said,
back.
O.K., he’s
going chirped
to suffer with
this later
and find out some things about
that. He
League, one rung
nents
will was
focusa on
sore body
an impact.”
on in life, in terms of arthritis.
was his
was asking
questions
like, ‘You’re tak-—
and
his partner
TensionItbuilt.
The crowd
chanted
Boogaard’s
usually
disguise laughed.
concussions on injury
d him2to coaches.
art
hands that I wasname.
more worried
about.”
ing because
you likegave
it?’ Stuff
reports as something else. In BooFinally,
Coach Jacques
Lemaire
thelike that.” fo
of Houston, Boo- Replays were shown. Rink workers reFedoruk said his advice was simple:
gaard’s
case,
it
was
often
“shoulder”
or
up
hills
near
the
ork
paired
the gouges in the ice and used shavings signal. Boogaard slid Be
onto
the ice and skated
careful.
The worry w
“back,” two chronic ailments, even
ed late after prac“Obviously,
I’ve
used
painkillers,
ath
of
to when
coverhisthe
blood.
casual arcs near the benches.
Helater,
looked
at hands.
the
tho
nstruction. Alone,
Two years
Boogaard
was Like
in subhelmet
did not fit because of
with injuries and stuff. Get your
DerekFedoruk
Boogaard
acticed the basics,
Derek
theKing
knotswent
on his to
head.
stance-abuse
rehabilitation.
the
penalty
box
and
wrapped
Ducks,
smirked
and
shrugged.
mangled — espec
trust him enough
shoulder rebuilt, get your knee
one
of
follow,down,
for theitsecond
“I towel
hid myaround
concussions,”
said Ryan
thattime
was in
thehis
mo
.
an icy
his bloodied
hands. scoped. It’s hard to“If
the
roof wasn’twould
screwed
would
go
out
that
before
career.
VandenBussche, 38, a former enforcer
work. The rest o
Boogaard won
Boogaard
sent
D.
J.
“The
scar he
tissue
inleast
the ahands
upnight
so and
have
off,” said Joanne
Derek’s
next
fightflew
that worldand
mental,
he lik
ayed bouts on the
who
estimates
had at
dozen builds
That Boogaard,
kind of arc gnaws
at Tom
Lynn.
King’s helmet flying
His sore
right
ed it “Boogeyman
class
guy
with
broken
knuckles.
much
that
when
you
get
hit
it
just
comes
off
in
mother.
concussions,
none
of
them
diagnosed.
He
spent
eight
seasons
as
a
Wild
execuin a March 2010
threesince he broke hi
gaard bobblehead
I’ve
gotten
into
the
drugs.
Not
“I masked
them
withsaid.
other injuries. I’m
now alove.
playerAnd
agent.
chunks
now,”
King
Never had
feltissuch
it crushed too
fight, Boogaard
above, buttive
notand
nose,
ts bobbled,
ating
toll too.
not a huge guy, by no means, but I
going
to
lie.
I’m
sure
people
“I
started
to
notice,
as
I
got
to know
before
King
broke
was
like th
ell
for
a
big
man,
Boogaard headed to the locker room. He was not because he had smashed someone’sbent,
fighting
fought all the big guys. And I certainly
who
smells
ocomotive. When
nose. King, the
left, players in these roles,ter
think, ‘Oh, he’s making $1.5his
milthat
some
of s
orattheir
the next
games.
face. It wassays
because
could
have.
direction.
In
playersmissed
and
didn’t want
to befive
known
as being conone costhe
ofthem
the
came
in in a muchthat
more
gentle
lion, how bad can it be?’ But
back
was
so
per
boards echoed cussion
an
bare-knuckle
prone, especially early in my
heof didn’t
have
wayfight,
— some
them came
in could
as differthey’ve never been“He
in hisdidn’t
shoes.” have to
once
not st
. One coach told
fighting
is scar ent
tissue
career,
because
general
managers
are of the team
people
than they
were
later on,”
“When
a team
scores,
the fans
to get
hurt,
he
didn’t
have
to
hurt
anybody,”
skates.
oogaard was their
—
MITCH
FRITZ,
on the hands that
pretty smart and your life span in the
because his team
“Being
the gu
Lynn
said.
“After
for
a while,
that scored will get on their feet. But when
Joanne
Boogaard
“That
was
thefighting
best. show
He
“comes offsaid.
in they
former
N.H.L.
enforcer
mere presence. N.H.L. wouldn’t be very long.”
that paintoan
seemed to have susceptibility
chunks.”
was kind of suc
me,” Shaw said.
“I Myhres
there’s
a fight,
everyone
gets on ditheir feet.”
could just go
out there personality
and skateissues
around.”
said he
had concussions
such as depression
or
Todd Fedoruk, w
is guy’s going to
agnosed
twice
but
estimated
he
had
— GEORGES LARAQUE
had sizeanxiety
and determination,
but about a yea
and addictions.” Wild
It was the middle ofBoogaard
the 2007-8 season,
more than 10 in his career. Now 37, he
ceives
As aWild
teenager,
Boogaard
was
went to the Wild’s
and Boogaard knew
that Fedoruk
not much
else, was
when the
chose
himface-crushing
in a binge-blo
feels his memory slipping.
2006. seemed
Hereign
beat up an ening beer drinker, but it never
his
in
the
midst
of
a
decade-long
battle
with
Among
the hundreds
of Boogaard hockey the seventh round of the
2001 N.H.L. draft. He
hen one from Chi- Mat
The men becam
Sommerfeld
toppled Boogaard
unusual in the culture of Canadian
jualcohol
and drugs. Boogaard was taking
esulting
mes. Lemaire,
the
by their bout but
clips
Internet,
almost
all
trained
with
a
Russian
figure
skater.
He
continthe catalogued
first time theyacross
fought the
in the
Westnior
hockey.
prescribed
pain
medicine
for
his
aching
nes, conern Hockey League. He was only 6-2
back.
In the minor leagues, he began taking
nkillers.
and 200 pounds, but was drafted by the
Panthers to be an enforcer.
ing, a ‘HeFlorida
would
fight
and
his knuckles
would be pushed back into the wrist. And then
Concussions
ended
his career.
In his
reaks
first rookie
camp,
face was
so swolhe’d
have
to his
have
it manipulated
and have his knuckles put back in place.’
h left
len after a fight that he had to sleep sitand a
LEN BOOGAARD, Derek’s father
ting up for a few days. There were
nounctimes he took the ice still woozy from a
blow, only to be leveled again.
CARLOS GONZALEZ/THE STAR TRIBUNE
CARLOS GONZALEZ/THE STAR TRIBUNE
Derek Boogaard, right, and his brother Aaron held a camp in 2007 to teach players ages 12 to 18 how to fight and avoid injuries.
is brother Aaron held a camp in
2007Boogaard,
to teach players
ageshis
12brother
to 18 how
to fight
avoidininjuries.
CARLOS GONZALEZ/THE
STAR TRIBUNE
Derek
right, and
Aaron
heldand
a camp
2007
to teach players
ages 12 to 18 ho
rother Aaron held a camp in 2007 to teach players ages 12 to 18 how to fight and avoid injuries.
done something else.”
roles. They roomed together on road
Ambien, a prescription sleeping pill. It
trips in 2007-8. It was only there that
has long been doled out in training
There is pain, of course. But fear, too.
Boogaard asked for help: Todd, can you
rooms to players struggling to cope
“Imagine you go pick a guy that’s 6-4,
put a couple of pillows under my feet?
with chronic aches and the demands of
220 pounds, and say, ‘Why don’t we
Ambien,
a
sleeping pil
theprescription
schedule.
“I
was
kind
of
a
nurse
for
him
in
the
done
something
else.”
They roomed together on meet
roadhere on the street in two days, and
room,
because
around
the
rink
he
want“I’ve been
on teamsout
wherein
it’s pretty
we’ll
slug
it
out
and
see
how
it
goes?’”
has
long
been
doled
train
But
fear,
too.
ined 2007-8.
It
was
only
there
that
There
is
pain,
of
course.
But
fear,
too.
to play,” Fedoruk said.
Myhres said. “I guarantee you’ll be a
out in the open, sleeping
and guys willpill.
say: ‘I
Ambien, a prescription
It
rooms
to
players
struggling
guy
Athat’s
couple
of6-4,
years
ago,
a friend
in thecanmess.”
have Ambien. Need an Ambien?’”to
saidc
aard
asked
for
help:
Todd,
you
“Imagine
you
go
pick
a
guy
that’s
6-4,
has
long
been
doled
out
in
training
fear,
too.
Wild locker room watched as a trainer
Mitch aches
Fritz, a and
teenage
rival
of BooAdd the pressure of thousands of
with chronic
the
demand
hy
don’t
we chest,
couple
of pillows
under
220 and
pounds,
and say, ‘Why don’t we
sat on 6-4,
Boogaard’s
tuggingmy
andfeet?
gaard’s who
has played mostly
the
fans in the arena
countless more
rooms to players
struggling
to in
cope
hat’s
the
schedule.
twisting
Boogaard’s
nose afterfor
a fight.
wo
days,
and
minor
leagues.
watching
on television
and
judging
on
was
kind
of
a
nurse
him
in
the
meet here on the street in two days, and
with
chronic
aches
and
the
demands
of
don’t
we
the Internet, of teammates and coachIn the fall of 2009, a doctor asked BooOn April 14, 2009, Boogaard had nose
“I’ve been
on teams where it’s pr
ow
it goes?’”
because
around
the rink
he wantwe’ll
slug it out
es, roster spots
and contracts,
and ofand see how it goes?’”
gaard and
to name
every word
he could
surgery. Seven days later, he had surthe schedule.
days,
knowing that Myhres
any fight could
be the “I
end guarantee you’ll be a
ofFedoruk
thatbe
began
the letter R. He
on his right
was preethink
you’ll
a with
out in thegery
open,
andshoulder.
guysHewill
say
play,”
said.
said.
“I’ve been scribed
on teams
where
it’s pretty
t could
goes?’”
of a career.
not come up with any.
Percocet,
a combination
of acethave
Ambien.
Need
an
Ambien?’”
s
mess.”
ouple
of
years
ago,
a
friend
in
the
More
than
most
players,
enforcers
Last
winter,
a
friend
said,
a
neuroloaminophen
and
oxycodone.
ou’ll
be aBoogaard to estimate how gaze ahead on the schedule. They know
out in the open, and guys will say: ‘I
gist asked
“He’s
such
a
big
guy,”
Boogaard’s
Mitch
Fritz,
a
teenage
rival
of
B
housands
ofwatched as a trainer
ocker
room
Add the pressure of thousands of
have Ambien.brother
NeedAaron
an said.
Ambien?’”
that the game in Calgary will entail a
many times his mind went dark and he
“The doctorsaid
told
gaard’s who
has
played
mostly
in
moreto regain
nuntless
Boogaard’s
chest,
tugging rematch
and of a fans
needed
a moment
his bearings
fight lost
time.
That
inlast
the
arena
and countless more
him
itteenage
took about
twice
as
much
mediMARCUS YAM FOR THE NEW YORK
TIMES
Mitch
Fritz,
a
rival
of Boosands
of
after
being hiton
on the head, probable
game against Edmonton will need an
cine to knock him out as for most peominor
leagues.
d
judging
ng
Boogaard’s
nose
after
a
fight.
watching
on
television
and
judging
on
One of his minor league teams, the Houston Aeros,
signsmore
of a concussion. Four? Five? Booanswer for the cheap shot laid on a star
gaard’s who ple.
has
played
mostly
the
ess
He’d
go through
30 pills in ain
couple
sgaard
and
coachApril
14, 2009,
Boogaard
hadton
Try hundreds,
he said.
of days.
He’d need
8 to 10 at a time
the Internet, of teammates had
anda Boogaard
coach- bobblehead. The fists bobbled, too.
he
falllaughed.
of
a doctor
asked player.
Boominor On
leagues.
dging
on2009,
Any
boy’s
dream
of
the
N.H.L.
in“I’ve
had
times
where,
going
into
a
feel
O.K.”
racts,
and
ofreality of word
surgery. Seven
days
later, heofhad
spots
tocoachname
he could
with theevery
skill, usually
game, I knowes,
I’m roster
going to get
into a and contracts, and of
John Scott,
a 6-8 teammate
Boondtersects
On April 14, 2009,
Boogaard
had nose
ld
be
the
end
gery
on
his
right
He was
in that
the teens.
For a few,
fading
hope
de- R.
fight,”
the Chicago
Blackhawks
enforcgaard’s
nowshoulder.
playing for Chicago,
was p
knowing
that
any
fight
could
be
the
end
of
began
with
the
letter
He
s,pends
andonof
one
knows.
“He’s
like,
‘Man,
these
things
work
surgery.
Seven
days
later,
he
had
sura willingness and ability to
er John Scott said. “Just the thought of
prescribed oxycodone
after nose of
anda
scribed
Percocet,
a
combination
really good,’” Fedoruk recalled.
But the hands? All it took was one
of
a
career.
not
come
up
with
any.
give
and
absorb
beatings.
getting
into
a
fight,
I
just
lay
there,
knee
operations.
e the end
geryason
his right shoulder. He was prelook. Even the medical examiner who
Boogaard and Fedoruk metaminophen
boys at
awake.
‘O.K.,
what
am
I
going
to
do?’
“If
you’re
playing
pond
hockey,
6
or
7
rs,
enforcers
and
oxycodone.
“It
just
dulls
you
right
out,”
he
said.
More than mostperformed
players,
enforcers
t years
winter,
a friend said, a neuroloBoogaard’s
autopsy noted
camp for the Regina Pats
in 1998.Percocet,
Alscribed
a numbs
combination of
I’m nervous. I’ve got butterflies in my
old, and somebody said, ‘Hey
“Totally
Youacetdon’t
e.
They
know
such
a bigeverything.
guy,” Boogaa
the scars.
most a decade later, Fedoruk,“He’s
three
ahead
They know
sked
Boogaard
to estimate
how I’ll gaze
stomach.
probably
get one on
hourthe
of schedule.
Brantt,
the
only way you’re
going to
feel oxycodone.
anything. You’re in no pain, but
enforcers
aminophen
and
years
older,
was
a
teammate,
mentor
“He
would
fight
and
his
knuckles
sleep.
It’s
exciting,
nerve-racking
and
make
it
to
the
N.H.L.
is
fighting
your
you’re notsaid.
yourself.“The
There’s no
senses.
will entail
a went dark and he
brother
Aaron
doctor
that the game in Calgary
will back
entail
a wrist,” and confidant. And Boogaard
times
his mind
would be pushed
into the
wanted such
to
hey
“He’s
a bigMyguy,”
terrifying all at the same time.”
wayknow
there,’ you think I would have done
Nothing.
wife wasBoogaard’s
like: ‘This is
st
time.
That
Len
Boogaard
said.
“AndThat
thenTHE
he’dNEW
haveYORK
him
it
took
about
twice
as
much
m
know
about painkillers.
d
a
moment
to
regain
his
bearings
rematch
of
a
fight
lost
last
time.
it?”
the
former
N.H.L.
enforcer
Brantt
There
is
no
incentive
to
display
creeping
me
out,
man.
You’ve
got
to
MARCUS
YAM
FOR
TIMES
MARCUS
YAM
FOR
l Myhres
entailsaid.
a “No way. I would have weakness. Most enforcers do not ac- to have it manipulated and have his
brother
said.
“The
doctor
told
“Him knowing my history,
I think Aaron
he
stop
taking
those.’
And
so
I
stopped.”
will
need
an
cine
to
knock
him
out
as
for
most
p
being
hit on the head, probable
game against Edmonton
will
knuckles put
backneed
in place.an
His hands
knew he could trust me,”
Fedoruk
said. about
me.
That
knowledge concussions, at least until
him
it took
twice
asOne
much
mediBoogaard
did not.
September
afMARCUS
YAM
FOR
THE was
NEWalways,
YORK TIMES
laid
on a star Four? Five? they
were
a mess.
Myon
concern
“He could open up to me and ple.
maybeHe’d
try
go
through
30
pills
in
a
cou
retire. Teams,
worried
that
oppoof
a
concussion.
Booanswer
for
the
cheap
shot
laid
a
star
ternoon
during
the
Wild’s
preseason,
need an
cine
knock
him outwhile
as for most
peoO.K., he’s going to suffer with this later
and find out some things
aboutto
He
nents will focus on sore body parts,
disoriented
ofthat.
days.
He’d
need 8 driving
to 10around
at a Mintim
laughed.
Try hundreds, he said.
player.
on in life, in terms of arthritis. It was his
was asking questions like,
‘You’re
takusually disguise
concussions on injury
on
a
star
ple.
He’d
go
through
30
pills
in
a
couple
neapolis,
Boogaard
was
rescued
by a
P U N Cinto
E Da O U T Part 2
hands
that I going
was moreinto
worriedaabout.”
ing because you like it?’ Stuff like
feelthat.”
O.K.” police officer he knew. Boogaard slept
Booy going
boy’s Hdream
of the N.H.L.reports
in- as something
“I’ve else.
hadIn times
where,
of was
days.
He’donneed
8 to 10 at a time to
Fedoruk said his advice
simple:
gaard’s case, it was often “shoulder” or
the officer’s
Over six
months,
to
get
into
a The NewofYork
John Scott,
a 6-8couch.
teammate of B
ts with
the
skill, usually
I knoweven
I’m going
to get into a
Be careful.
“back,” two game,
chronic ailments,
ng
into
a reality
Late one night soon after, at home
feel O.K.”
“Obviously, I’ve used painkillers,
Times
examined
the
life
and
death
of
Two years later, Boogaard was
in sub- now
when
his helmet
did notthe
fit because
of
awks
enforcgaard’s
playing
for Russell,
Chicago,
with his
fiancée, Erin
Booteens.
For
a
few,
fading
hope
defight,”
Chicago
Blackhawks
enforcwith
injuries
and
stuff.
Get
your
the into
professional
et
a hockey player
Scott,gaard
a 6-8
oflike,
Boostance-abuse
Fedoruk
oneDerek
knows. the knots on his head.
“He’s
like,
‘Man,
these
things rehabilitation.
work John
said teammate
he took “He’s
four Ambien.
She‘M
shoulder
rebuilt,
get yourof
knee one knows.
heBoogaard,
thought
of to fame
prescribed
oxycodone
after
nose
on
a
willingness
and
ability
to
er
John
Scott
said.
“Just
the
thought
who
rose
as
one
of
would
follow,
for
the
second
time
in
his
“I
hid
my
concussions,”
said
Ryan
knew
it was something
more.
s enforcgaard’s
nowwas
playing
forreally
Chicago,
was
really
Fedoruk
recalled.
scoped.
It’s good,’”
hard to go out
that
But
the
hands?
All
it
took
was
one
good,’”
F
But
the
hands?
All
it
took
one
the
sport’s
most
feared
fighters
before
VandenBussche,
38,
a
former
enforcer
career.
st
lay
there,
knee
operations.
“I
was
scared,”
Russell
said.
“I
had
one knows.
‘Man,
these things work
nd absorb
getting
into a fight,“He’s
I just
lay
there,
next
nightlike,
and
fight
that worldhought
of28beatings.
after
nose
who estimates
he had
at least a dozen
That
kind
of arc medical
gnaws
at Tomexaminer
Lynn. oxycodone
dying at age
on May 13.
look. Even the
medical
examiner
whoreally
Boogaard
and
Fedoruk
met
as boys
at prescribed
neverwho
seen him that
drugged
up —and
falllook.He
Even
the
Boogaard
and
going
to
do?’
class
guy
with
broken
knuckles.
“It
just
dulls
you
right
out,”
he
good,’”
Fedoruk
recalled.
awake.
‘O.K.,
what
am
I
going
to
do?’
But
the
hands?
All
it
took
was
one
you’re
playing
pond
hockey,
6
or
7
concussions,
none
of
them
diagnosed.
spent eight seasons as a Wild execuing all over the place and running intos
This article, the second of a threeay there,
operations.
performed
Boogaard’s
autopsy
noted
camp
forthethe
Regina
Pats
in is1998.
Al- knee
I’ve
gotten into
drugs.
Not
“I masked them with
other injuries.
I’m
performed
Boogaard’s
autopsynumbs
noted everything.
tive
and
now
a player
agent.“Totally
camp forYou
the dR
erflies
inexplores
my
walls.”
part
series,
the devastating
toll
I’m
nervous.
I’ve
got
butterflies
in
my
look.
Even
the
medical
examiner
who
Boogaard
and
Fedoruk
met
as
boys
at
old,
and
somebody
said,
‘Hey
g—tophysical
do?’and emotionalthe
going
to lie.a
I’m decade
sure people later, Fedoruk,
“I started to three
notice, as I“It
got to
knowdullsA you
just
right
out,”
said.
few phone
calls
and a
ahe
day
later,
most
— ofscars.
fighting
the
scars.
most
decade
one
hour
of
feel
You’re
in to
noCalifornia,
pain,
fought
big guys. Andnoted
I certainly
stomach.
I’ll
probably
get
hour
ofmil-Pats in
performed
Boogaard’s
t,es
the
only
way
you’re
going
toall theautopsy
camp
for
themaking
Regina
Althink,
‘Oh,one
he’s
$1.5
the 1998.
players in
these roles, that
someanything.
of
Boogaard
was on a plane
in my
“Totally
numbs
everything.
You
don’t
on players
who are celebrated
for theirwould
years
older,
was
a
teammate,
mentor
“He
fight
and
his
knuckles
didn’t want to be known as being conthem
came
in
in
a
much
more
gentle
lion,
how
bad
can
it
be?’
But
years
older,
w
“He
would
fight
and
his
knuckles
-racking
and
headed
to
a
substance-abuse
program
you’re
not
yourself.
There’s
no
sen
sleep.
It’s
exciting,
nerve-racking
and
to the
is fighting your
the scars.
a never
decade
later,
Fedoruk,
three
cussion prone,
especially
early
in my most
eittoughness.
hour
of N.H.L.
way — some
of them
differfeelin as
anything.
You’re inand
noconfidant.
pain, butA
Malibu.
they’ve
been in his And
shoes.”Boogaard
would
be pushed
back
into managers
the
wrist,”
and
confidant.
wanted
tocame
would
be
pushed
back
into
the inMy
wrist,”
me.” you think “He
career, and
because
general
are
Nothing.
wife
was
like:
‘This
terrifying
all
at
the
same
time.”
here,’
I
would
have
done
ent
people
than
they
were
later
on,”
years
older,
was
a
teammate,
mentor
would
fight
his
knuckles
“He just There’s
left,” Scott said.
“He
never
king
and
— MITCH
FRITZ,
you’re
not he’d
yourself.
no
senses.
On the
Web
pretty
smart
and your
life he’d
span inhave
the
Len Boogaard
said.
“And
then
know about
painkillers.
said. “After
fighting
for
athen
while,
told
anybody
was
leaving.
I rememLen Lynn
Boogaard
said.
“And
know
about
pai
to
display
creeping
mehave
out, heman.
You’ve
go
former
N.H.L.
Brantt
There
is no incentive
toformer
display
wouldenforcer
be pushed
back
into
thelong.”
wrist,”
and confidant.
And
Boogaard
wanted
to
N.H.L. enforcer
N.H.L.
wouldn’t
be
very
”henytimes.com/boogaard
they
seemed
to
have
susceptibility
to
Nothing.
My
wife
was
like:
‘This
is
ber
talking
to
him
and
everything
was
to
have
it
manipulated
and
have
his
“Him
knowing
my
history,
I
think
he
to
have
it
manipulated
and
have
his
“Him
knowin
s
do
not
acMyhres
said
he
had
concussions
distop taking
And
so I stopped.
personality issues such as depression
or
esIndisplay
said. to“No
way.
I wouldsaid.
have
weakness.
Most enforcers
dopainkillers.
not acLen
Boogaard
“And
then
he’d
have
finethose.’
and then all
of a sudden
he was just
know
about
addition
this article:
creeping
me
out,
man.
You’ve
got
to
agnosed
twice
but estimated
he
had
knuckles
put
back
in
place.
His
hands
anxiety
and
addictions.”
knew
he
could
trust
me,” Fedoruk
said. in place.
It was
the middle
of the 2007-8
season,
Theynot.
told us
he was
getting
surknuckles
putheback
Hisgone.
hands
at VIDEO
leastBoogaard
untilto
knew
he
could
Boogaard
did
One
September
concussions,
atknowing
least
until
it manipulated
and
haveNowhis
“Him
history,
IAsthink
more than 10 knowledge
in
his career.
37, he
giveshave
and receives
o ∂not
aca teenager,
Boogaard
wastaking
a binge- those.’
and
Boogaard
knew that my
Fedoruk
was
gery, or And
it was so
a concussion
or somestop
I stopped.”
were a mess.
My
concern
was always,
“He
could
open
up to
me ing
and
maybe
try
feels
his memory
slipping.
were
a
mess.
My
concern
was
always,
ed countless
that oppo“He
could
open
beer
drinker,
but
it
never
seemed
punishing
blows in his reign
in
the
midst
of
a
decade-long
battle
with
ternoon
during
the
Wild’s
preseas
thing.
They
made
up
some
excuse
and
they
retire.
Teams,
worried
that
oppoknuckles
put
back
in
place.
His
hands
knew he could trust me,” Fedoruk said.
astas the
until top enforcer,
Matto
Sommerfeld
toppledthis
Boogaard
Boogaard
did
not.
September
afunusual
the culture
of Canadian
ju- this
he’s going
suffer
with
lateron
alcohol
and find
drugs. out
Boogaard
was taking
theylater
never One
told us
whatfind
happened.
But
and
some
things
about
that.
He
resulting
O.K.,
he’s ingoing
to suffer
with
body N.H.L.’s
parts,wereO.K.,
and
out
som
disoriented
while
driving
around
M
nents
will
focus
sore
body
parts,
a
mess.
My
concern
was
always,
the
first
time
they
fought
in
the
West“He
could
open
up
to
me
and
maybe
try
nior hockey.
prescribed pain medicine for his aching
we allthe
kind ofWild’s
figured it out.
It’s not that
hatin oppomangled hands, broken bones, conternoon during
preseason,
ued lessons to bolster his boxing. He was sent him in the game.
for seasoning in the minor leagues, where Wild
Most important, Boogaard won fights.
officials told the coaches to mold Boogaard into
The Aeros replayed bouts on the video board
an N.H.L. enforcer.
and called it “Boogeyman Cam.” They had a
His minor league coaches did not have such
Boogaard bobblehead promotion, and the fists
vivid imaginations.
bobbled, too.
“We didn’t give him a chance, and we were
Boogaard skated well for a big man, but he
the guys trying to help him,” said Matt Shaw, turned like a locomotive. When he aimed his
who coached Boogaard in the minor leagues body at players and missed, the rattling boards
and the N.H.L. “Give him credit. This guy willed echoed an intimidating message. One coach told
his way to the N.H.L.”
the Aeros staff that Boogaard was their most
At his first camp after being drafted, valuable player, because his team was frightBoogaard aimed his body at an opponent, who ened by his mere presence.
ducked at the last moment. Boogaard hit the
“That’s when it hit me,” Shaw said. “I went:
glass and shattered it. His body tumbled out of
‘Good God. This guy’s going to play.’ ”
the rink.
Still
raw, Boogaard went to the Wild’s trainOne of his minor league teams, the Houston
Aeros,
One of his minor league teams, the Houst
At 20, Boogaard
was
assigned
to the Louisiing camp
in 2005. He beat up an enforcer from
a Boogaard
bobblehead.
The
fists bobbled,
had a Boogaard bobblehead. The fists bob
Onehad
of his
minor league
teams, the
Houston
Aeros,too.
ana IceGators of the East Coast Hockey League. Buffalo, then one from Chicago in preseason
had a Boogaard bobblehead. The fists bobbled, too.
Within a year, he battered his way to the Housgames. Lemaire, the Wild coach, saw the impact
ton Aeros of the American Hockey League, one Boogaard had on other teams. He never played
rung below the N.H.L.
in the minors again.
Hard work endeared him to coaches. In the
In his first regular-season fight, on Oct. 16,
summer heat of Houston, Boogaard tirelessly
2005, against Anaheim, he pounded Kip Brenran up hills near the practice rink. He stayed
nan before dropping him with a big right hand.
late after practice, awaiting further instruction. Boogaard won again, then again. With each fallAlone, he skated, shot and practiced the basics,
en opponent, the rookie’s popularity grew.
hoping coaches would trust him enough to put
Such adoration is not unusual. The enforcer,
sometimes mocked as a goon or euphemized
as a tough guy, may be hockey’s favorite archetype. Enforcers are seen as working-class
superheroes — understated types with an alter
ego willing to do the sport’s most dangerous
work to protect others. And they are underdogs,
men who otherwise might have no business in
the game.
Boogaard went nearly five years between
N.H.L. goals and scored three times in 277
games. He spent 1,411 minutes on the ice and 589
minutes in the penalty box.
But he was quick to do an interview or sign
on for charity work. He was huge and imposing,
yet laughed easily and always knelt to talk to
children. His personality was an understated
counterweight to his outsize reputation as a
fighter. His No. 24 became a top-selling replica
jersey.
“It was the fierceness of his brand and the
gentleness of his character,” explained Tom
Lynn, a former Wild executive.
Lynn was among those who noticed lifestyle changes as years passed. Boogaard signed
his first contract with the Wild in 2003 and spent
most of the $50,000 bonus on a GMC Denali. He
liked the status it signaled in the players’ parking lot.
“Before he got to the N.H.L., Derek would
walk around with his two teeth out, because he
was missing those two front teeth,” said Janella
D’Amore, Boogaard’s girlfriend through several years in the minor leagues and his first season with the Wild. “His hair would be a mess, he
would wear the same T-shirt. He didn’t care. He
was just happy. Then he got to the N.H.L., and it
was about having to wear the designer clothes
and having the perfect haircut and the perfect
designer glasses. I think he felt he had to fit the
part.”
Len Boogaard accompanied his son on a
three-game trip to the West Coast in November
2006. Hungry after a movie in San Jose, Calif.,
Len recommended a fast-food place across the
street. Derek wanted room service.
“So I got a pita for six bucks, and a Coke,
and went back to the hotel room,” Len Boogaard
said. “Room service finally showed up, and he
had a steak, very small, some veggies on the side
and a Coke. And it was 95 bucks. I said, ‘What?’
And that’s when he put up his hand and said:
‘Don’t worry about it, Dad. It’s the lifestyle.’ ”
In juniors, Boogaard usually received about
$50 a week for spending money. In his final year
in the minors, he made $45,000.
Now his salary was $525,000. It was a long
way from the dark drives across the icy prairie
of western Canada, fueled by rink burgers and
the sound of the radio.
“Anytime I would question what he was
doing, the hand would come up, waving,” Len
Boogaard said. “ ‘Don’t worry about it, Dad. It’s
the lifestyle.’ ”
“My back wakes me up. I get on the floor
every morning. My left hand has been smashed
and broken so many times I’m missing a
knuckle. From the concussions, my memory —
I have a lapse with my memory at times. It’s
just little things, and important things. If you
look at the fights I’ve had since I was 16, I’ve
had about 300. These aren’t boxing gloves.
These are fists. There has to be an impact.”
— BRANTT MYHRES,
The worry was always about the hands.
Like those of most enforcers, Derek Boogaard’s
giant hands were mangled — especially the
right one. But that was the most obvious cost of
his work. The rest of the damage, physical and
mental, he liked to hide.
His sore right shoulder had ached since he
broke his collarbone at 13. His nose, crushed too
many times to count, was bent, like that of a cartoon character who smells something delicious
in that direction. In the minor leagues, his back
was so perpetually sore that he once could not
stand up after lacing his skates.
“Being the guy he was, he couldn’t show
that pain and stuff like that, so he was kind of
sucking it up a lot,” said Todd Fedoruk, who was
signed by the Wild about a year after absorbing
the face-crushing blow from Boogaard in 2006.
The men became friends, not divided by
their bout but tied together by their roles. They
roomed together on road trips in 2007-8. It was
only there that Boogaard asked for help: Todd,
can you put a couple of pillows under my feet?
“I was kind of a nurse for him in the room,
because around the rink he wanted to play,” Fedoruk said.
A couple of years ago, a friend in the
Wild locker room watched as a trainer sat
unusual in the culture of Canadian jualcohol and drugs. Boogaard was taking
they never told us what happened. But
he
gaze ahead
the schedule.
They
know
to Westestimate how
“He’s
nior hockey.
estprescribed
pain on
medicine
foraching
his aching
all of
kind
of figured
out.not
It’s
notsuch
thata
nior hockey.
prescribed
pain
medicine
for
his
we allwe
kind
figured
it out.itIt’s
that
that
the
game
in
Calgary
will
entail
a
went
dark
and
he
brother
Aaron s
only
6-2
6-2
back. rematch of a fight lost last time. That In theInminor
the minor
leagues,
he began
takinghard hard
to see.”
back.
leagues,
he began
taking
to see.”
egain
bearings
him it took abou
d by his
the
the
e head, probable
game against Edmonton will need an
cine to knock him
cer.
One of his minor league teams, the Houston Aeros,
Four? Five? Booanswer for the cheap shot laid on a star
ple. He’d go thro
r.
ndreds,
he said.
player.
had a Boogaard bobblehead. The fists bobbled, too.
of days. He’d ne
hisIn his
of
N.H.L. in“I’ve had times where, going into a
so the
swolfeel O.K.”
wolty
of skill,
John Scott, a
leep
sit- usually game, I know I’m going to get into a
sitw,
fading
hope defight,” the Chicago Blackhawks enforcgaard’s now pla
re
were
one knows.
“He’s like, ‘Man, these things work
ere
ss and ability to
er John Scott said. “Just the thought of
prescribed oxyc
y from
a
really good,’” Fedoruk recalled.
But the hands? All it took was one
m
a
ngs.
getting into a fight, I just lay there,
knee operations.
look. Even the medical examiner who
Boogaard and Fedoruk met as boys at
awake. ‘O.K., what am I going to do?’
“It just dulls y
performed Boogaard’s autopsy noted
camp for the Regina Pats in 1998. AlI’m nervous. I’ve got butterflies in my
“Totally numbs
the scars.
most a decade later, Fedoruk, three
stomach. I’ll probably get one hour of
feel anything. Y
years older, was a teammate, mentor
“He would fight and his knuckles
sleep. It’s exciting, nerve-racking and
you’re not yours
would
be
pushed
back
into
the
wrist,”
and
confidant.
And
Boogaard
wanted
to
terrifying all at the same time.”
Nothing. My wi
Len Boogaard said. “And then he’d have
know about painkillers.
There is no incentive to display
creeping me out
to have it manipulated and have his
“Him knowing my history, I think he
ay. I would have
weakness. Most enforcers do not acstop taking those
knuckles put back in place. His hands
knew he could trust me,” Fedoruk said.
knowledge concussions, at least until
he said.
Boogaard did n
aid.
were
a
mess.
My
concern
was
always,
“He could open up to me and maybe try
they retire. Teams, worried that oppoternoon during
O.K., he’s going to suffer with this later
and find out some things about that. He
nents will focus on sore body parts,
disoriented while
oogaard
on in life, in terms of arthritis. It was his
was asking questions like, ‘You’re takard
usually disguise concussions on injury
neapolis, Boogaa
U
T
Part 2
hands
that
I
was
more
worried
about.”
me
rival
ing
because
you
like
it?’
Stuff
like
that.”
reports as something else. In Booval
police officer he
Fedoruk said his advice was simple:
gaard’s case, it was often “shoulder” or
ues
speon the officer’s co
pe-New
he
York
Be careful.
“back,” two chronic ailments, even
Late one nigh
toandBoo“Obviously, I’ve used painkillers,
e
death of
ooTwo years later, Boogaard was in subwhen his helmet did not fit because of
with his fiancée
with injuries and stuff. Get your
eries
y of
playerof
Derek
the knots on his head.
stance-abuse rehabilitation. Fedoruk
gaard said he to
shoulder rebuilt, get your knee
ogaard’s
fame as one of
d’s
would follow, for the second time in his
“I hid my concussions,” said Ryan
knew it was some
scoped.
It’s
hard
to
go
out
that
knee.before
dne
fighters
VandenBussche, 38, a former enforcer
career.
ee.
“I was scared
next night and fight that worldwho estimates he had at least a dozen
That kind of arc gnaws at Tom Lynn.
ypenalty
13.
never seen him t
alty
class
guy
with
broken
knuckles.
concussions, none of them diagnosed.
He spent eight seasons as a Wild execuing all over the p
cond of a threeI’ve gotten into the drugs. Not
“I masked them with other injuries. I’m
tive and is now a player agent.
walls.”
e
devastating
toll
reserve
rve
going to lie. I’m sure people
“I started to notice, as I got to know
A few phone
—
of fighting
donal
in
time
fought
all
the
big
guys.
And
I
certainly
me
think, ‘Oh, he’s making $1.5 milthe players in these roles, that some of
Boogaard was on
ebrated
for
their
ater. The
didn’t want to be known as being conthem came in in a much more gentle
lion, how bad can it be?’ But
The
headed to a sub
cussion prone, especially early in my
lmet
way — some of them came in as differin Malibu.
they’ve never been in his shoes.”
off off
career, because general managers are
ANDY
DEVLIN/NHLI
VIA on,”
GETTY IMAGES
ent peopleANDY
than
they
were
ANDY
DEVLIN/NHLI
VIA
GETTY
IMAGES
“He just left,”
DEVLIN/NHLI
VIA later
GETTY
IMAGES
— MITCH FRITZ,
pretty smart and your life span in the
Lynn said. “After fighting for a while,
told anybody he
of
conBoogaard
played
1,411
minutes
in
six
N.H.L.
seasons
and
spent
589
minutes
in
the
penalty
box.
former
N.H.L.
enforcer
onN.H.L.
wouldn’t
be1,411
very1,411
long.”
Boogaard
played
minutes
ininsix
andspent
spent589
589
minutes
in the
penalty
ard
Boogaard
played
minutes
sixN.H.L.
N.H.L. seasons
seasons and
inhave
the
penalty
box.to box.
theyminutes
seemed
to
susceptibility
ber talking to him
May.
Myhres said he had concussions diNo No
personality issues such as depression or
fine and then all o
le:
agnosed twice but estimated he had
anxiety and addictions.”
It was the middle of the 2007-8 season,
gone. They told
more
than
10
in
his
career.
Now
37,
he
es and receives
As a teenager, Boogaard was a bingeand Boogaard knew that Fedoruk was
gery, or it was a
feels his memory slipping.
ing beer drinker, but it never seemed
blows in his reign
in the midst of a decade-long battle with
thing. They mad
on Boogaard’s
chest,
tugging
twisting thing else.”
Mat Sommerfeld
toppled
Boogaard and
unusual in the culture of Canadian jualcohol and drugs. Boogaard was taking
they never told u
nforcer, resulting
the firstnose
time they
fought
in the Westnior hockey.
prescribed pain medicine forThere
his aching
after
a fight.
is pain,
of course. But fear, too. we all kind of figu
roken bones,Boogaard’s
conern Hockey League. He was only 6-2
back.
In the minor leagues, he began taking
hard to see.”
on to painkillers. In and
the200fall
of 2009,
adrafted
doctor
asked
Boogaard
“Imagine you
go pick a guy that’s 6-4, 220
pounds,
but was
by the
Florida
Panthers
to be
enforcer.
HT D. J. King,to
a name
every
word
heancould
think
of that began
pounds,
and say, ‘Why don’t we meet here on
— AARON
BOOGAARD,
Derek’s
brother
Concussions ended his career.
his
—InAARON
BOOGAARD,
Derek’s
brother
gaard’s, breaks
with the
letter
Hehiscould
not
come up
with any. Derek’s
the street
first
rookie R.
camp,
face was
so
swol—
AARON
BOOGAARD,
brotherin two days, and we’ll slug it out and
010, which left
len after a fight that he had to sleep sitLast
winter,
a
friend
said,
a
neurologist
see
how
it goes?’ ” Myhres said. “I guarantee
ken nose and a
ting up for a few days. There were
eft the announctimes
he
took
the
ice
still
woozy
from
a
asked Boogaard to estimate how many times you’ll be a mess.”
c.
his mind
went
darkwith
and
he needed
Add the pressure of thousands of fans in the
Now
married
young
children, a moment to
working
the
family
farm
in
Saskatcheregain his bearings after being hit on the head, arena and countless more watching on televiwan, Sommerfeld has had bouts of deprobable
signs
of enough
a concussion.
sion and judging on the Internet, of teammates
pression
serious
to warrant Four? Five?
professional
help.
Boogaard laughed. Try hundreds, he said.
and coaches, roster spots and contracts, and of
“I don’t know if it’s worth it,” he said.
Any
boy’sfordream
of the N.H.L. intersects
knowing that any fight could be the end of a ca“It wasn’t
me.”
On
Jan.
9,
2007,
in
Calgary,
Boogaard
with the
reality of skill, usually in the teens. For
reer.
fought Eric Godard, a longtime rival
a few, fading
depends
on aspewillingness and
More than most players, enforcers gaze
called up hope
from the
minor leagues
cifically as a counterweight to Booto give
and absorb beatings.
ahead on the schedule. They know that the
EWS Todd ability gaard.
Godard landed a series of
the left sidepond
of Boogaard’s
“Ifpunches
you’reto playing
hockey, 6 or 7 years game in Calgary will entail a rematch of a fight
ed-friend of
head. Boogaard twice fell to one knee.
es his addiction
to and
old,
somebody
‘Hey
Brantt, the only
lost last time. That game against Edmonton will
Dazed,
he skated tosaid,
the wrong
penalty
Matt Shaw, who
box.
way
you’re
going
to
make
it
to
the
N.H.L.
is
need an answer for the cheap shot laid on a star
n the minor
He was placed on injured reserve
.L., talks about
fighting
your
way
there,’
youinthink
player.
with
a head
injury.
He returned
time I would have
nforcer; and
to fightthe
Godard
again 17 days
later. The
done
it?”
former
N.H.L.
enforcer
Brantt
“I’ve had times where, going into a game, I
eam official with
men knocked each other’s helmet off
Myhres
said.
way.
I would
have done some- know I’m going to get into a fight,” the ChicagoANDY DEVLIN/NHL
and
traded“No
punches
to the
face.
explains
Boogaard likely had dozens of cony as a player.
Boogaard played 1,411 minutes in six N.H.L. seasons and spent 589 minutes in the pe
cussions before his death in May. No
ond hockey, 6 or 7
ebody
children,
en, said, ‘Hey
you’re going to
skatchehe. is fighting your
tswould
of deIdehave done
warrant
L.
enforcer Brantt
ant
he
doctor
told
it took
about
twice
much
medicine
doctor
him
it took
about
twice
as as
much
medicine
tor
toldtold
him
ithim
took
about
twice
as
much
medicine
most
people.
He’d
go
through
30
pills
in a couple
of days.
ost
people.
He’d
through
30pills
pills
in a
eople.
He’d
gogo
through
30
in
a couple
coupleofofdays.
days.
o0 10
at
a
time
to
feel
O.K.’
at a time to feel O.K.’
a time to feel O.K.’
‘He’s such a big guy. The doctor told him it took about twice as much medicine
to knock him out as for most people. He’d go through 30 pills in a couple of days.
He’d need 8 to 10 at a time to feel O.K.’ — AARON BOOGAARD, Derek’s brother
on players who are celebrated for their
toughness.
didn’t want to be known as being concussion prone, especially early in my
career, because general managers are
pretty smart
and your life
span in the
warrant
professional
help.
N.H.L.
wouldn’t
be
very
long.”
“I don’t know if it’s worth
Myhres said he had concussions diit,”
he
said.
“Itbut
wasn’t
for me.”
agnosed
twice
estimated
he had
Jan.
in Calgary,
moreOn
than
10 9,
in 2007,
his career.
Now 37, he
feels his memory
slipping.
Boogaard
fought
Eric GoMat
Sommerfeld
toppled
Boogaard
dard, a longtime rival called
the first time they fought in the Westup
minor
leagues
ern from
Hockeythe
League.
He was
only 6-2
specifically
a drafted
counterand 200 pounds,as
but was
by the
Florida Panthers
to be an enforcer.
weight
to Boogaard.
Godard
Concussions ended his career. In his
landed
a series of punches
first rookie camp, his face was so swolto
the
left
side
ofheBoogaard’s
len after a fight
that
had to sleep sitting
up
for
a
few
days. There
head. Boogaard twice
fell towere
times
he
took
the
ice
still
woozy
one knee. Dazed, he skated from
to a
theNow
wrong
penalty
married
with box.
young children,
He was
placed
onininjured
working
the family
farm
Saskatchewan,
Sommerfeld
has
had
bouts
of dereserve with a head injury. He
pression serious enough to warrant
returned
in time to fight Goprofessional help.
dard
again
17 ifdays
later.
“I don’t
know
it’s worth
it,”The
he said.
“It wasn’t
for me.” each other’s
men
knocked
On Jan.
2007, in
Calgary,
Boogaard
helmet
off9, and
traded
punchfought Eric Godard, a longtime rival
es
to the
face.the minor leagues specalled
up from
Boogaard
likely had dozcifically
as a counterweight
to Boogaard.
Godard landed
a series
ens
of concussions
before
his of
punches to the left side of Boogaard’s
death
in May. No one knows.
head. Boogaard twice fell to one knee.
But
hands?
it took
Dazed, hethe
skated
to theAll
wrong
penalty
box.
was one look. Even the mediwas placed
on performed
injured reserve
calHeexaminer
who
with a head injury. He returned in time
Boogaard’s
autopsy
theThe
to fight Godard
again 17 noted
days later.
scars.
men knocked each other’s helmet off
and “He
tradedwould
punchesfight
to the and
face. his
Boogaard
likely
had
dozens
of conknuckles would be pushed
cussions before his death in May. No
Blackhawks enforcer John On the Web
Scott said. “Just the thought nytimes.com/boogaard
of getting into a fight, I just In addition to this article:
lay there, awake. ‘O.K., what ∂ VIDEO Boogaard gives and receives
an
am I going to do?’ I’m nercountless punishing blows in his reign
in
alc
vous. I’ve got butterflies in
as the N.H.L.’s top enforcer, resulting
pre
in mangled hands, broken bones, conmy stomach. I’ll probably get
ba
cussions and addiction to painkillers.
one hour of sleep. It’s exciting, nerve-racking and terri- ∂ ANATOMY OF A FIGHT D. J. King, a
brawling rival of Boogaard’s, breaks
fying all at the same time.”
down their fight in 2010, which left
There is no incentive to
Boogaard with a broken nose and a
display weakness. Most enbloody face — and left the announcforcers do not acknowledge
ers and fans euphoric.
concussions, at least until
they retire. Teams, worried
that opponents will focus on
sore body parts, usually disguise concussions on injury
reports as something else. In
Boogaard’s case, it was often
“shoulder” or “back,” two
chronic ailments, even when
his helmet did not fit because ∂ EXTENDED INTERVIEWS Todd
Fedoruk, a rival-turned-friend of
of the knots on his head.
Boogaard’s, discusses his addiction to
“I hid my concussions,”
prescription drugs; Matt Shaw, who
said Ryan VandenBussche,
coached Boogaard in the minor
38, a former enforcer who esleagues and the N.H.L., talks about
timates he had at least a dozthe grooming of an enforcer; and
en concussions, none of them
Tom Lynn, a former team official with
the Minnesota Wild, explains
diagnosed. “I masked them
Boogaard’s popularity as a player.
with other injuries. I’m not a
huge guy, by no means, but I
back into the wrist,” Len
fought all the big guys. And I certainly didn’t Boogaard said. “And then he’d have to have it
want to be known as being concussion prone, manipulated
and have
hisaknuckles
put back
in docto
‘He’s
such
big guy.
The
especially early in my career, because general
place. His hands were a mess. My concern was
knock
him
outwith
as for
most pe
managers are pretty smart and your life span in always,to
O.K.,
he’s going
to suffer
this later
the N.H.L. wouldn’t be very long.”
on in life, in terms of arthritis.
It was his
hands
He’d need
8 to
10 at a
Myhres said he had concussions diagnosed
that I was more worried about.”
twice but estimated he had more than 10 in his
career. Now 37, he feels his memory slipping.
“Obviously, I’ve used painkillers, with
Mat Sommerfeld toppled Boogaard the first
injuries and stuff. Get your shoulder rebuilt,
time they fought in the Western Hockey League.
get your knee scoped. It’s hard to go out that
He was only 6-2 and 200 pounds, but was drafted
next night and fight that world-class guy with
by the Florida Panthers to be an enforcer.
broken knuckles. I’ve gotten into the drugs.
Concussions ended his career. In his first Not going to lie. I’m sure people think, ‘Oh,
rookie camp, his face was so swollen after a he’s making $1.5 million, how bad can it be?’
fight that he had to sleep sitting up for a few But they’ve never been in his shoes.”
days. There were times he took the ice still woo— MITCH FRITZ,
zy from a blow, only to be leveled again.
Now married with young children, working
the family farm in Saskatchewan, Sommerfeld
It was the middle of the 2007-8 season, and
has had bouts of depression serious enough to
Boogaard knew that Fedoruk was in the midst
of a decade-long battle with alcohol and drugs.
Boogaard was taking prescribed pain medicine
for his aching back.
“He’s like, ‘Man, these things work really
good,’ ” Fedoruk recalled.
Boogaard and Fedoruk met as boys at camp
for the Regina Pats in 1998. Almost a decade later, Fedoruk, three years older, was a teammate,
mentor and confidant. And Boogaard wanted to
know about painkillers.
“Him knowing my history, I think he knew
he could trust me,” Fedoruk said. “He could
open up to me and maybe try and find out some
things about that. He was asking questions like,
‘You’re taking because you like it?’ Stuff like
that.”
Fedoruk said his advice was simple: Be
careful.
Two years later, Boogaard was in substanceabuse rehabilitation. Fedoruk would follow, for
the second time in his career.
That kind of arc gnaws at Tom Lynn. He
spent eight seasons as a Wild executive and is
now a player agent.
“I started to notice, as I got to know the players in these roles, that some of them came in in a
much more gentle way — some of them came in
as different people than they were later on,” Lynn
said. “After fighting for a while, they seemed to
have susceptibility to personality issues such as
depression or anxiety and addictions.”
As a teenager, Boogaard was a bingeing
beer drinker, but it never seemed unusual in the
culture of Canadian junior hockey.
In the minor leagues, he began taking Ambien, a prescription sleeping pill. It has long
been doled out in training rooms to players
struggling to cope with chronic aches and the
demands of the schedule.
“I’ve been on teams where it’s pretty out
in the open, and guys will say: ‘I have Ambien.
Need an Ambien?’ ” said Mitch Fritz, a teenage
rival of Boogaard’s who has played mostly in
the minor leagues.
On April 14, 2009, Boogaard had nose surgery. Seven days later, he had surgery on his
right shoulder. He was prescribed Percocet, a
combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone.
“He’s such a big guy,” Boogaard’s brother
Aaron said. “The doctor told him it took about
twice as much medicine to knock him out as for
most people. He’d go through 30 pills in a couple
of days. He’d need 8 to 10 at a time to feel O.K.”
John Scott, a 6-8 teammate of Boogaard’s
now playing for Chicago, was prescribed oxycodone after nose and knee operations.
“It just dulls you right out,” he said. “Totally numbs everything. You don’t feel anything. You’re in no pain, but you’re not yourself.
There’s no senses. Nothing. My wife was like:
‘This is creeping me out, man. You’ve got to
stop taking those.’ And so I stopped.”
Boogaard did not. One September afternoon
during the Wild’s preseason, disoriented while
driving around Minneapolis, Boogaard was rescued by a police officer he knew. Boogaard slept
on the officer’s couch.
Late one night soon after, at home with his
fiancée, Erin Russell, Boogaard said he took
four Ambien. She knew it was something more.
“I was scared,” Russell said. “I had never
seen him that drugged up — falling all over the
place and running into walls.”
A few phone calls and a day later, Boogaard
was on a plane to California, headed to a substance-abuse program in Malibu.
“He just left,” Scott said. “He never told anybody he was leaving. I remember talking to him
and everything was fine and then all of a sudden
he was just gone. They told us he was getting
surgery, or it was a concussion or something.
They made up some excuse and they never told
us what happened. But we all kind of figured it
n
out. It’s not that hard to see.”
A Brain
oing Bad’
A Brain
‘Going Bad’
A Brain
TT
CMYK
Nxxx,2011-12-06,B,013,Bs-4C,E1_K
K
N
B13
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2011
Derek Boogaard’s brain
Age 28
By JOHN BRANCH
o the next day, as the scrolls across the bottom of television screens
aard’s death last May, the calls of condolences came, one after another.
om a stranger, first to Joanne Boogaard in Regina, Saskatchewan, then
esearcher asking for the brain of their son.
d unlock answers to Boogaard’s life and death. It could save other lives.
brain
e a decision. Boogaard, the N.H.L.’s fiercest fighter, deadDerek
of aBoogaard’s
drug and
Age 28
be cremated.
BRANCHmood swings,
memory By
loss,JOHN
impulsiveness,
even addiction.
PUNCH
E DNIGHT
O U T and into theMore
Derek Boogaard’s brain
than
20 dead
N.F.L. players
HROUGH
THE
next
day,
as former
the
scrolls
across the bottom of television screen
Age 28
and many boxers have had C.T.E. diagnosed.
THE
LIFE
AND
DEATH
spread the news of Derek Boogaard’s
death
last May,
thefinal
calls
of condolences
came, one after another
It generally
hollowed
out the
years
of
their lives into something unrecognizable to
Among them was a call from
a stranger,
first to Joanne Boogaard in Regina, Saskatchewan, the
loved
ones.
PART 3
And now,
the fourth
player,of
of four
Len Boogaard in Ottawa. It was a researcher
asking
forhockey
the brain
their son.
examined, was found to have had it, too.
But this
was different.
The others were
An examination of the brain could unlock
answers
to Boogaard’s
life and death. It could save other live
not in their 20s, not in the prime of their caOne month. Two. Three. Two other N.H.L. enut
there
not much
time
to amake
a decision. Boogaard, the N.H.L.’s fiercest fighter, dead of a drug an
reers.
orcers
died,was
reportedly
suicides,
stoking
deThe scientists on the far end of the conferbate about the toll of their role in hockey.
cohol
at 28,
cremated.
By
JOHN
BRANCH
By JOHN
BRANCH
call told
the
Boogaard
family that they
Fouroverdose
months. Five.
The was
news going
came into
a beence
shocked
to day,
see as
so the
much
damage
conference call to the family in October.
HROUGH THE NIGHTwere
and into
the next
scrolls
across in
thesomebottom of television screens
oneBoogaard’s
so young.
Itlast
appeared
to be
spreading
Boogaard
hadHROUGH
chronic traumatic
encephmemory
loss,
impulsiveness,
mood swing
THE
NIGHT
There
was little
discussion.
coroner
inafter
Minneapolis.
It was
spread
the
news
of Derek
death
May, the calls
of condolences
came,
one
another.
through
his
brain.
Had
Derek
Boogaard
lived,
alopathy,
commonly
known
as
C.T.E.,
a
close
even
addiction.
The brain
was carved
out
of
his
skull
by
a
Among
them
was
a
call
from
a
stranger,
first
to
Joanne
Boogaard
in
Regina,
Saskatchewan,
then
and into the next day, as
in a plastic bucket and inP U his
N Ccondition
H E D likely
O U Twould placed
they said,
have
relative
Alzheimer’s It
disease.
It is believed
More than 20 dead former N.F.L. playe
roner inofMinneapolis.
was
in
a
to
Len placed
Boogaard
inthe
Ottawa.
It was a researcher asking for the brain of their son.side a series
the
scrolls
across
botplastic
bags,
worsened into middle-age dementia.
to be bucket
caused by
to
the
head.
It
and
manyofboxers
have
had then
C.T.E. diagnose
astic
andrepeated
inside ablows
series
of
plastic
An examination of the brain couldTHE
unlockLIFE
answers
to Boogaard’s
life and death. It could save other lives.
AND
DEATH
tom
television
screens
spread
put inIta generally
cooler filled
without
a slurry
can
be diagnosed
only
posthumously,
but of
scihollowed
the final years
gs, then
put
in a of
cooler
filled
with
a
slurry
But there was not much time to make
decision.
Boogaard,
the N.H.L.’s
fighter, dead of a drug and
OFa A
HOCKEY
ENFORCER
Continued
on
Page
B15 fiercest
it shows
itself
in
symptoms
like
lives
yentists
water.say
Itthe
was
driven
to the
airport
and
news
of
Derek
Boogaard’s
of icy their
water.
It into
wassomething
driven tounrecognizable
the
alcohol
overdose
at 28, was going to be cremated.
loved ones.
aced in the cargo hold of a plane to Boston.
P
A
R
T
3
death last May, the calls
of
condoairport and
placed
in the cargo
Andmood
now,swings,
the fourth hockey player, of fo
When it arrived at a laboratory
atdiscussion.
the
memory loss, impulsiveness,
There was little
even addiction.
The brain
was carved
out of his skull by a
lences
came,
one
after
another.
hold
of
a
plane
to
Boston.
P
U
N
C
H
E
D
O
U
T
was
found to have had it, too.
dford V.A. Medical Center
Bedford,
More than 20examined,
dead former N.F.L.
players
coroner in
in Minneapolis.
It was placed in a
and many boxers
have had
C.T.E.
diagnosed.
plastic bucket
and a
inside
a series
of plastic
But
this
was different.
The others we
ass., the brainAmong
was vibrantly
pink
and
them
was
call
from
When
it
arrived
at a laboraTHE LIFE AND DEATH
It generally hollowed out the final years of
bags, then put in a cooler filled with a slurry of
OF A HOCKEY
ENFORCER
not
in
their
20s,
not
in
the
prime
ighed 1,580a grams,
or
about
3›
pounds.
On
One
month.
Two.
Three.
Two
other
N.H.L.
entheir
lives
into
something
unrecognizable
to
icy
water.
It
was
driven
to
the
airport
and
stranger, first intotheJoanne
Boogaard in Regina,P A R T 3tory at the Bedford
V.A. Medical Center in Bed- of their c
loved ones.
cargo hold of a plane to Boston.
reers.
stainless-steel table inplaced
the
basement
forcers
died,
reportedly
suicides,
stoking
a
deAnd now, the fourth hockey player, of four
When it arrived at a laboratory at the
then
Boogaard
inthe
Ottawa.
ford,
Mass.,
the
brain
was
pink
andof the confe
examined,
was
found to have
hadscientists
it,vibrantly
too.
Bedford
V.A.
Medical
Center
inbate
Bedford,
The
on the
far end
orgue, Dr. Saskatchewan,
Ann McKee cleaved
it to
in Len
half,
about
toll
of
their
role
in
hockey.
But this was different. The others were
Mass., the brain was vibrantly pink and
wasa alarge
researcher
asking
for
the
brain
of
their
weighed
1,580
grams,
or
about
3
1/2
pounds.
On that the
ence
call
told
the
Boogaard
family
nt to back,Itwith
knife.
Much
of
one
Four
months.
Five.
The
news
came
in
a
not in their 20s, not in the prime of their caweighed 1,580 grams, or about 3› pounds. On
One month. Two. Three. Two other N.H.L. enreers.
a stainless-steel table in the basement
forcers died, reportedly suicides, stoking a dewere
shocked
to
see
so
much
damage
lf was sliced
into
sheets
about
the
width
of
conference
call
to
the
family
in
October.
son.
a instainless-steel
tableon the
infarthe
morgue, in som
The scientists
end of basement
the confermorgue, Dr. Ann McKee cleaved it in half,
bate about the toll of their role
hockey.
ence call told theone
Boogaard
that they
front to back, with a large knife. Much of one
Four had
months.
Five.BRANCH
The news
came in a encephso family
young.
It appeared to be spreadin
ndwich bread.
Boogaard
chronic
traumatic
By
JOHN
An examination
ofsheets
theaboutbrain
unlock
Ann McKee
cleaved
itdamage
in
half,
were shocked
to see so much
in some-front to back,
half was sliced into
the width could
of
conference
call to the familyDr.
in October.
through
his
brain. Had Derek Boogaard live
The pieces of Boogaard’s
brain
were laalopathy, commonly
known
as C.T.E.,
aoneclose
so young.ofIttelevision
appeared to
be spreading
sandwich
bread.
chronic
traumatic
encephHROUGH THE NIGHT and into Boogaard
the nexthad
day,
as the
scrolls
across the
bottom
screens
through
his
brain.
Had
Derek
Boogaard
The
pieces
of
Boogaard’s
brain
were
laanswers
to Boogaard’s
life and
death.
It could
alopathy,
commonly known
as C.T.E.,aaItclose
with
large
knife. Much
of one
half
was sliced
they
said,
hislived,
condition
likely would hav
led as SLI-76.
They were
placed into
large,
relative
of
Alzheimer’s
disease.
believed
they said,came,
his condition
likely
would have
beled as SLI-76.
They were
placedof
into
large,Boogaard’s
spread
the news
Derek
last May,
theIt calls
of is
condolences
one after
another.
relative of death
Alzheimer’s
disease.
is believed
JOHN
SCOTT,
N.H.L.
enforcer
worsened
into
middle-age
dementia.
deli-style
refrigerators
withwas
glass doors,
next
worsened
into
middle-age
dementia.
li-style refrigerators
with
glassBut
doors,
next
to be caused
by repeated
blows
to the
head.
It head.
to
be
caused
by
repeated
blows
to
the
It
save other
lives.
there
not
much
time
to
into
sheets
about
the
width
of
sandwich
bread.
Among them was a call from
stranger,only
first
to Joanne but
Boogaard
in Regina, Saskatchewan, then
to dozens of other brains.
can beadiagnosed
posthumously,
scidozens of other
brains.
can
onlyitself
posthumously,
but
on Page B15 brain were labeled
The
Boogaard
family waited
results.
say it shows
in symptoms
like
toBoogaard,
Len
Boogaard
in Ottawa.
Itbe
wasdiagnosed
aentists
researcher
asking
for
the
brain
of their
son. scimake
a decision.
thefor
N.H.L.’s
fiercest
The
pieces
of Continued
Boogaard’s
Continued on Page B15
The Boogaard family waited for
results. of the
entists
say unlock
it shows
itself
in symptoms
likeIt could save other lives.
An examination
brain could
answers
to Boogaard’s
life and death.
‘Going Bad’
T
T
T
A Brain
‘Going Bad’
A Brain
‘Going Bad’
personality, it just left him. He didn’t have
more. He just was kind of — a blank face.’
TT
fighter, dead of a drug and alcohol overdose at
as SLI-76. They were placed into large, deli-style
But there was not much time to make a decision. Boogaard, the N.H.L.’s fiercest fighter, dead of a drug and
28, was going toalcohol
be cremated.
refrigerators with glass doors, next to dozens of
overdose at 28, was going to be cremated.
There was little
discussion.
other brains.
memory loss, impulsiveness, mood swings,
There was little discussion.
even addiction.
The brain was carved out of his skull by a
P
U
N
C
H
E
D
U TThe
The brain was
carved
out
by a it Ojust
Boogaard
waited for results.
demeanor,
his
personality,
left him.
He
have
More
thandidn’t
20 deadfamily
former
N.F.L. players
coroner ‘His
in Minneapolis.
It was of
placedhis
in a skull
plastic bucket and inside a series of plastic
bags, then put in a cooler filled with a slurry of
icy water. It was driven to the airport and
placed in the cargo hold of a plane to Boston.
When it arrived at a laboratory at the
and many boxers have had C.T.E. diagnosed.
LIFE AND DEATH
It—
generally
hollowed out
the final years of
a personality anymore.OFTHE
He
just wasCENTER
kindFORofTHE
a blank
face.’
A HOCKEY ENFORCER
STUDY OF TRAUMATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY, BOSTON UNIVERSITY
JOHN SCOTT,
P A RN.H.L.
T 3 enforcer
loved ones.
And now, the fourth hockey player, of four
im
filsts
ard
to
he
ard
for
udent
by
he
of
ne,
ke
A Brain
‘Going Bad’
ed
ng
ooky
auper
nd
eleg-
hol
so
om
im
nd
TT
By JOHN BRANCH
MARK TAYLOR/THE CANADIAN PRESS, VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS
HROUGH THE NIGHT and into the next day, as the scrolls across the bottom of television screens
Less than six years after Derek Boogaard’s first game in the N.H.L., his family gathered for his fuspread the news of Derek Boogaard’s death last May, the calls of condolences came, one after another.
neral in Regina, Saskatchewan. His parents held jerseys from his teams, the Wild and the Rangers.
Among them was a call from a stranger, first to Joanne Boogaard in Regina, Saskatchewan, then
to Len Boogaard in Ottawa. It was a researcher asking for the brain of their son.
One month. Two. Three. Two other N.H.L. en- in their 20s, not in the prime of their careers.
An examination of the brain could unlock answers to Boogaard’s life and death. It could save other lives.
forcers died, reportedly suicides, stoking a deThe scientists on the far end of the confer‘He
was
white.
And
I touched
his
arm
and
Ifamily
knew
But there
was
much
time
to make
a decision.
Boogaard,
N.H.L.’s
fighter,
dead
of athey
drugwere
and
bate
about
thenot
toll
of their
role
in hockey.
encethe
call
told
thefiercest
Boogaard
that
alcohol
overdose
ataway
28, was
going
to be
cremated.
Four
months.
Five.
The
news
came
in
a con- mortis
shocked had
to see so
much damage
someone so
right
because
rigor
already
setinin.’
ference
call to the family in October.
young. It appeared
to be spreading through his
memory loss, impulsiveness, mood swings,
There was little discussion.
RYAN BOOGAARD, Derek’s brother
Boogaard
hadoutchronic
encephabrain.
Had Derek
Boogaard
even
addiction. lived, they said, his
The
brain was carved
of his skulltraumatic
by a
PUNCHED
OUT
More than 20 dead former N.F.L. players
coroner in Minneapolis. It was placed in a
lopathy,
commonly
known
as
C.T.E.,
a
close
condition
likely
would
into
midand manyhave
boxersworsened
have had C.T.E.
diagnosed.
plastic bucket and inside a series of plastic
THE LIFE AND DEATH
It
generally
hollowed
out
the
final
years
of
bags,
then
put
in
a
cooler
filled
with
a
slurry
of
relative of Alzheimer’s disease. It is believed
to dle-age dementia.
icy water. It was driven to the airport and
be caused
byhold
repeated
blows
And that was
Len Boogaard’s own
lovedwhen
ones.
placed
in the cargo
of a plane to
Boston.to the head. It can
PART 3
And
now,
the
fourth hockey player, of four
When
it
arrived
at
a
laboratory
at
the
be diagnosed only posthumously, but scientists mind went numb.
Bedford V.A. Medical Center in Bedford,
say ittheshows
itself
in symptoms
like memory
But this was different. The others were
Mass.,
brain was
vibrantly
pink and
not
in
their
20s,Team
not in the prime of their caweighed
1,580
grams,
or
about
3›
pounds.
On
One
month.
Two.
Three.
Two
other
N.H.L.
enRehab,
Pills
and
a
New
loss, impulsiveness, mood swings, even addicreers.
a stainless-steel table in the basement
forcers died, reportedly suicides, stoking a deThe MinnesotaThe
Wild
prepared
start
tion. Dr. Ann McKee cleaved it in half, bate about the toll of their role in hockey.
scientists
on the far for
end ofthe
the confermorgue,
ence call told the Boogaard family that they
front to back, with a large knife. Much of one
Four
months.
Five.
The
news
came
in
a
of the 2009-10 season.
Derek Boogaard watched
More than 20 dead former N.F.L.
players
were shocked to see so much damage in somehalf was sliced into sheets about the width of
conference call to the family in October.
one so young. It appeared to be spreading
sandwich
bread.boxers have had C.T.E. diagnosed.
a distance.
and many
Boogaard hadIt
chronicfrom
traumatic
encephthrough his brain. Had Derek Boogaard lived,
The pieces of Boogaard’s brain were lacommonly known as C.T.E., a close
team said
Boogaard,
the would
pre-emgenerally
out into
thelarge,
final alopathy,
yearsofof
their disease.The
they that
said, his
condition likely
have
beled
as SLI-76.hollowed
They were placed
relative
Alzheimer’s
It is believed
worsened
into middle-age
deli-style
refrigerators
with glassunrecognizable
doors, next
to be caused
by repeated blows
the head. It in
inentto enforcer
the N.H.L.
and adementia.
hugely poplives into
something
to loved
to dozens of other brains.
can be diagnosed only posthumously, but sciWild player,
was sitting
a few
ones.
Continuedout
on Page
B15 weeks
The Boogaard family waited for results.
entists say it shows itselfular
in symptoms
like
And now, the fourth hockey player, of four because of a concussion. Instead, he was at the
Canyon treatment center in Malibu, Calif., being
But this was different. The others were not treated for addiction to prescription drugs.
‘His demeanor, his personality, it just left him. He didn’t have
a personality anymore. He just was kind of — a blank face.’
JOHN SCOTT, N.H.L. enforcer
sho
ter
in B
hou
me
vis
ies
dru
L
had
pro
pri
tles
Ran
to
giv
tes
L
pho
his
rea
the
hoc
and
B
him
F
day
lars
ting
par
full
The Signs and Science of C.T.E.
Attacking a Cell’s Transport System
Dr. Ann McKee, a neuropathologist, received Derek Boogaard’s
CELL BODY
In healthy brains, nutrients, electrical impulses and
brain within days of his death and began testing it for chronic
other cargo are transported from the cell body to the
traumatic encephalopathy, more commonly known as C.T.E.synapse along the axon. C.T.E. destroys this
transport system, eventually killing the cell.
McKee found the disease in many parts of his brain.
Below is a look at one of the areas she found.
MODEL
OF BRAIN
Inside
Boogaard’s
TRA
NS
PO
RT
SY
ST
EM
Brain
C.T.E. can occur in different parts of the brain and can
therefore result in a variety of symptoms, including
dementia and changes in mood and behavior.
CEL
MODEL OF BRAIN
AXON
MICROTUBULES
FRONTAL LOBE
AL LOBE
REA
The cell’s transport system
is made up of microtubules,
which are held together by
Tau proteins.
FRONTAL LOBE
SLIDE FROM
BOOGAARD’S
BRAIN
TAU
PROTEINS
Repeated blows to the head
cause the Tau to modify and
detach from the microtubules,
which fall apart.
ENHANCED VIEW OF AFFECTED AREA
TEMPORAL LOBE
These
clusters of
Tau proteins
foundfrom
in Boogaard’s brain shows two of the
This slide
manyBoogaard’s
areas of dying cells, including in his frontal
are the
lobe, brain
top, which
controls personality and judgment.
telltale signs
ofDr.
C.T.E.
Sources:
Ann McKee, director of Neuropathology,
Bedford V.A. Medical Center and co-director of the Boston
University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy;
Department of Health and Human Services
TAU
TANGLES
SYNAPSE
These
clusters of
Tau proteins
found in
Boogaard’s
The Tau proteins
brain
then combine
to are the
telltale
signs
form tangles,
of
C.T.E.
ultimately killing
the cell.
JOE WARD AND GRAHAM ROBERTS/THE NEW YORK TIMES
ain ‘Going Bad’A Brain ‘Goin
Boogaard was embarrassed and worried
Boogaard skated, expressionless, to the
that news of his addiction would shatter his penalty box.
reputation. He was also concerned that someFrom the outside, everything seemed norone would take his role. From rehabilitation,
mal. It was not.
he tracked the preseason fights of teammates
“His demeanor, his personality, it just left
and texted friends to gauge how badly he was
him,” John Scott, a Wild teammate, said. “He
They
felt how He
the game
changed when
with him. Theydidn’t
chantedhave
his name.
When
missed.
a personality
anymore.
just was
They felt how
the
game
changed
when
York
from
Ottawa
in
January,
he
barely
enforcer
who
had
spent
most
of
his
cahe
strode
onto
the
ice.
the
attention
got
overbearing,
Boogaard
From
First
Sports
Page
He rejoined the team after missing the first kind of — a blank face.”
he strode onto the ice.
recognized
his
Several
times
over Boogaard
reer patrolling
the minor
leagues.
Butson.
by the
2009-10
season,
escaped
behind
the bar, where his
bobfive
regular-season
games and had
first
fight
Boogaard
asleep
while
playing
But by the
2009-10 season, Boogaard
several
days,
mancarried
incards
hockThehis
two
bickered
as sat
they
wasthe
27, toughest
and his
body
a lot of mile
blehead
likeness
on aglided
shelf. fell
And
that
when
21,
atwas
home
the
Colorado
Avaon
thestopped
team
plane,
a teammate
said. He
was 27, on
andOct.
his
body
carried
a lot against
ofLen
mile-Boogaard’s
ey said
bawled
in
hisHe
arms.
across
center“He
ice.
They
age.
missed
the passed
start of the season
was
likebarely
Norm
in
‘Cheers,’”
own mind
went
age. Helanche’s
missed
the
start numb.
of
the season
had
to
holdin
him,”
Lenroom.
Boogaard
before
Carkner
cracked
face owns
while
rehabilitation,
and
Stewart
Hafiz,
whose
family
the
David
Koci.
Boogaard
started
with
a Boogaard’s
out
in corners
of“Ithe
team’s
dressing
Hehis contrac
while in rehabilitation, and his contract
said of Derek.
was like
when he end.
was He played
with a rightbar.
hand.
was “It
to expire
at season’s
left-hand
jab
toend.
Koci’s
chin,Team
thenBoogaard
grabbedAnd
Koci’s
was
uncharacteristically
late
for meetings
and
Rehab,
Pills
and
a New
was to expire
at season’s
He
played
younger, when
he wasand
a little
usually
responded
such painkill57 games,
hadkid
no growgoals and nine
Boogaard
oftento bought
jersey
knocked
him
downshots
two
rightworkouts.
Wild
trainers
and
doctors
warned
Theand
Minnesota
Wild
prepared
forwith
thewith
57 games,
and
had
no
goals
and
nine
just sobbed away uncontrolan angry
flurry. of
This
time, heworthingatup.
ers,
thousands
dollars’
a Hefights.
start
of the 2009-10 season. Derek
Boo- histime,
fights. hand
lably.”
turned
headfrom
away
and
held
to teammates
The Wild
quietly
dangled
him as trade
someone
he on
knew
there,
acpunches.
Boogaard’s
not
to give
him
their
watched
from
distance.
The Wildgaard
quietly
dangled
himaas
trade
For weeks,
shut- attemp
Carkner. He
did tonot
throw another
bait, Boogaard
then mademostly
a half-hearted
cording
Boogaard’s
brother Aaron.
The a
team
said that Boogaard,
prebait, then made
half-hearted
attempt the
tered—himself
insidehim
his for
$7,000-a-month
punch.
to re-sign
about $1 million a year
He gobbled the pills by the handful
eminent
enforcer
in the
N.H.L. and
to re-sign him
for about
$1 million
a year.
apartment
onThere
the 33rd
floor
of theofShefAll afall, Boogaard’s
family
and friends
were
plenty
other suitors
eight or more
OxyContins
at a time,
mul-
Attacking a Cell’s Transport System
In healthy brains, nutrients, electrical impulses and
other cargo are transported from the cell body to the
synapse along the axon. C.T.E. destroys this
transport system, eventually killing the cell.
CELL BODY
TRA
NS
PO
RT
SY
ST
EM
MODEL OF BRAIN
AXON
MICROTUBULES
The cell’s transport system
is made up of microtubules,
which are held together by
Tau proteins.
TAU
PROTEINS
Repeated blows to the head
cause the Tau to modify and
detach from the microtubules,
which fall apart.
SYNAPSE
These
clusters of
Tau proteins
found in
Boogaard’s
brain are the
telltale signs
of C.T.E.
TAU
TANGLES
The Tau proteins
then combine to
form tangles,
ultimately killing
the cell.
JOE WARD AND GRAHAM ROBERTS/THE NEW YORK TIMES
prescription pills.
brand names like Vicodin.
Most N.H.L. teams have about 10 affiliated
Derek Boogaard increasingly wanted more
doctors — specialists and dentists with pracpills. He became adept at getting them.
tices of their own. Boogaard had learned that
In downtown Minneapolis, Boogaard’s fathere was no system to track who was prescrib- vorite hangout was Sneaky Pete’s, a sports bar
ing what.
that becomes a raucous club on weekend nights.
In
one
three-month
stretch
of
the
2008-9
polesfrom
areOttawa
erected
on thehedance
y felt how the game changed when
York
in January,
barely floor,
enforcer who had spent most of Stripper
his caBoogaard
at and a throbbing
beat
beyond
trode onto season
the ice. with the Wild, reer
recognized
his escapes
son. Several
times the
overvelvet
patrollingreceived
the minor leagues.
ut by the 2009-10
Boogaard for painkillers
severalBoogaard
days, the toughest
in hockThe two bickered
as they rope
glidedout front.
least 11season,
prescriptions
from eight
was a man
regular.
27, and his body carried a lot of mileey bawled in his arms.
across center ice. They barely stopped
doctors — including at least
one doctor for a difYoung
men fueled with alcohol begged
He missed the start of the season
“I had to hold him,” Len Boogaard
before Carkner cracked Boogaard’s face
ferent team,
to
records
gathered
by
Boogaard
to
them,
solike
they
could
say they
e in rehabilitation,
and hisaccording
contract
said punch
of Derek.
“It was
when
he was
with a right hand.
to expire at
season’s
end.
He
played
younger,
when
he
was
a
little
kid
growBoogaard
usually
responded
to
such
his father, Len Boogaard. Combined, the pre- survived a shot from the Boogeyman. People
ames, andscriptions
had no goals
and for
nine 370shots
ing up.
He justThey
sobbed
awaypictures
uncontrol-of him
with an
flurry. This time,
he him
were
tablets
ofangry
painkillers
bought
drinks.
took
ts.
lably.”
turned his head away and held on to
containing
hydrocodone,
typically
soldnot
under
and with him.
chanted
hismostly
name. shutWhen the
he Wild quietly
dangled him
as trade
For They
weeks,
Boogaard
Carkner.
He did
throw another
n ‘Going Bad’
then made a half-hearted attempt
e-sign him for about $1 million a year.
here were plenty of other suitors.
punch.
All fall, Boogaard’s family and friends
tered himself inside his $7,000-a-month
apartment on the 33rd floor of the Shef-
New Team
57 games, and had no goals and nine
And Boogaard often bought painkilling up. He just so
shots with an angry flurry. This time, he
d prepared for the
fights.
ers, thousands of dollars’ worth at a
lably.”
turned his head away and held on to
ason. Derek BooThe Wild quietly dangled him as trade
time, from someone he knew there, acFor weeks, Bo
Carkner. He did not throw another
distance.
bait, then made a half-hearted attempt
cording to Boogaard’s brother Aaron.
tered himself ins
punch.
Boogaard, theattention
preto re-sign
him for about $1 million
year. quietly
He gobbled
the pills by the handful
—
apartment on the
All fall, Boogaard’s
got overbearing,
Boogaard
escaped
Thea Wild
dangledfamily
himand
as friends
trade bait,
he N.H.L. and a
There were plenty of other suitors.
eight or more OxyContins at a time, mulfield, on 57th Stre
had noticed an indifference in his fightbehindtiple
the
bar,said,
where
bobblehead
likeness
made
a half-hearted
attempt
to re-sign
player, was sitting
The New
York Rangersthen
and the
Edmonpeople
at a costhis
of around
$60
cle in Manhattan
ing. Boogaard was
listed at 260
pounds, him
se of a concussion.
ton Oilers each offered
four-year
coneach
— chewing them to hasten their
Park was obscur
but weighed
nearly 300 when he joined
sat
on
a
shelf.
for
about
$1
million
a
year.
Canyon treatment
tracts paying more than $1.5 million a
time-release effect. The line between
gaard kept closed
the Rangers. Team officials expressed
, being treated for “He
wasdrugs
like Norm
said StewThere wereconcern
plenty
of other
suitors.onThe
season.
needing
for pain in
and‘Cheers,’ ”
wanting
The Rangers t
about
his effectiveness
the New
on drugs.
Boogaard’s family wanted Edmonton.
them for celebration blurred.
rink because the
ice, even his safety in a fight, his agent
art
Hafiz,
whose
family
owns
the
bar.
York
Rangers
and
the
Edmonton
Oilers
each
ofarrassed and worIt was familiar and close to home in
“I didn’t trust him to have that
ment, even watch
said.
addiction would And
Canada.
amount
on him,” saidoften
Aaron Boogaard,
nausea. The team
But much of paying
that was disguised
by
Boogaard
bought western
painkillers,
fered four-year contracts
more than
$1.5
He was also conHe chose New York. He signed a fourwho lived with Derek in summer offmeal to his door
Boogaard’s sound beating of Philadelof“He
dollars’
at would
a time,year,
from
million
a season.
would takethousands
his
$6.5somemillion contract
— a rather
orseasons.
knew it,worth
too, so he
Boogaard usually
phia’s Jody Shelley on Nov. 4 and a rare
on, he tracked
the he
salary among his new
Rangers
giveknew
them tothere,
me to hold,
and I wouldto dinary
kitchen
goal,
the first wanted
since his rookie
season,
one
according
Boogaard’s
Boogaard’s
family
Edmonton.
It counter
mmates and textteammates, but striking among the frahide them around the place, and he’d
food packages.
against Washington on Nov. 9.
Aaron.
was
close
inSquare
western
ow badly hebrother
was
ternity of enforcers who
play familiar
only a few and
come
to me when his back was hurt —
The fog of Boog
Days
later,to
thehome
Madison
Gar- Canminutes
a
game.
or
whatever
was
hurting
him.”
syndrome slid int
den
crowd
chanted
Boogaard’s
name
as
He
gobbled
the
pills
by
the
handful
—
eight
ada.
m after missing the
“It’s one of the great cities to be at and
“What was I going to do?” he added.
liness. Early in th
he pounded Edmonton’s Steve MacInOxyContins
at a
time,
He chose
York.a He
signed
a four-year,
on games andor
hadmoreWild
you’re people
always on center stage
when New
coaches saw the
decline
for multiple
a
friends had gone t
tyre. During
rematch
minutes
later,
1, at home against
you’re out there, so I’m excited,” Boocouple
of
seasons.
Boogaard’s
admiraplay and take in th
few
noticed
a
MacIntyre
jab
that
broke
said, at
a cost of around $60 each gaard
— chewing
$6.5 million contract
— a rather ordinary salary
he’s David Koci.
told The Star Tribune of Minneble work ethic had faded, and no one
But with Booga
Boogaard’s nose and most likely gave
a left-hand jab
to
the night
he signed.
could
pinpoint why.
them
to hasten
their time-release apolis
effect.
The
the number of vis
among his newhimRangers
teammates,
a concussion.
Boogaard missedbut
one strikbed Koci’s jersey
The Rangers knew about Boogaard’s
“I just said to him one day: ‘What’s
grew desperate f
game and played the next.
line between
drugs
painsubstance-abuse
and want- problem
ing and
among
of enforcers
n with two righttime inthe fraternity
up? What’sneeding
up with you?
Wherefor
is the
ary cellphone bil
Then came Carkner.
He lifted who
Boo- play
rehabilitation, family members
guy for
I know?’”
said Mattblurred.
Shaw, who
detail calls and te
gaard and
slammed him down. Booing them
celebration
only asaid.
fewThe
minutes
a game.
expressionless, to
team surely knew of his concussions
coached Boogaard as an assistant with
people who had n
gaard landed on his right shoulder. The
“I the
didn’t
to Aeros
haveand,
thatand
amount
on injuries. “It’s one of
cities
toHeberoseat and
myriad other
minor trust
league him
Houston
years. February’
backthe
of hisgreat
head struck
the ice.
verything seemed
any concern
Rangers had
was
later, with
the Wild.
“Because who
he waslivedBut
slowly
and wentstage
to the locker
room.
him,” said
Aaron
Boogaard,
with
Der- theyou’re
always
on center
when
you’re pages.
out It listed 13,
outweighed by their eagerness for his
not himself. And he didn’t have an anThose who wen
“I noticed he kind of stopped fighting
off-seasons.
“He
knew
it, oftoo,
so and
there,
so I’m excited,”
told
The Star
personality, itek
justin summer
brand
toughness
intimidation.
swer. He didn’t
want to look me
in the
his memory lapse
and I took himBoogaard
down and landed
on top,”
a Wild teammate,
They Ineeded
an enforcer,
and of
they
eye.” give them to me to hold, and
Boogaard joked a
Carkner told the
reporters.
if
he would
would
Tribune
Minneapolis
night“Obviously,
he signed.
a personality anywanted the best.
Boogaard had been drafted by the
had been hit on
you land a punch on a guy like that it
nd of — a blank
hide them
the place,
and he’d come to
The Rangers
knew
about
Wild in around
2001, a seventh-round
pick given
times. But they
feels good.
It feels
good Boogaard’s
to take down a subManic, Sullen and Lonely
little chance of making the N.H.L. The
about his darkeni
big man like that.”
me
when
his
back
was
hurt
—
or
whatever
was
stance-abuse
problem
and
time
in
rehabilitation,
ep while playing
Wild shepherded him through three seapulsive behavio
The Rangers said Boogaard was out
Boogaard had played 21 games for the
ane, a teammate
sons
in the minor leagues and molded
and e
indefinitely
with ateam
shoulder
injury. Ten
hurting
him.”
said. The
surely
knewsweetness
of
Rangers when he tookfamily
the ice in members
Ottawa
in corners of the
him into the most fearsome player in
dearing eagernes
days later, they revealed he was having
on Dec. 9, 2010. After leveling an oppoI going
do?”
he added.
his concussions
and myriad other injuries. orated.
He was uncharac- “What
hockey.was
They saw
how histo
gentle
humilheadaches.
nent with a legal check, Boogaard was
eetings and work- Wild
ity blossomed
into
fearless
swagger.
Friends said B
When
arrived
in New
chased
by
Matt
Carkner,
a
30-year-old
coaches saw the decline for a couple of
But any concernLen
theBoogaard
Rangers
had
was outd doctors warned
manic and sullen.
Boogaard’s admirable work ethic had weighed by their eagerness for his brandshowering.
of
s not to giveseasons.
him
He m
tered
plans. He ta
faded,
and
no
one
could
pinpoint
why.
toughness
and
intimidation.
They
needed
an
have about 10 affilin British Columb
alists and dentists “I just said to him one day: ‘What’s up?
enforcer, and they wanted the best.
house for himself
r own. Boogaard
members. He spe
What’s
up with you? Where is the guy I know?’ ”
was no system
to
vision goggles, hu
bing what. said Matt Shaw, who coached Boogaard as an
ies and $150 on ca
h stretch of the
Boogaard had played 21 games for drugstore.
the
assistant with the minor league Houston Aee Wild, Boogaard
Len Boogaard,
prescriptions
for and, later, with the Wild. “Because he was
had been enrolled
Rangers when he took the ice in Ottawa on Dec.
ros
doctors — includprogram since Se
not himself. And he didn’t have an answer. He 9, 2010. After leveling an opponent with a legal
or for a different
prised to see so m
cords gathered
by
tlesain the bathro
check,
Boogaard
was
chased
by
Matt
Carkner,
didn’t
want
to
look
me
in
the
eye.”
rd. Combined, the
Rangers doctors.
30-year-old enforcer who had spent most of tohis
or 370 tablets of Boogaard had been drafted by the Wild in
hear from his
g hydrocodone,
given four days’ n
career
patrolling
the
minor
leagues.
2001,
a
seventh-round
pick
given
little
chance
brand names like
test.
The two bickered as they glided across cenof making the N.H.L. The Wild shepherded him
Len Boogaard p
reasingly wanted
photos and home
ter
ice.
They
barely
stopped
before
Carkner
through
three
seasons
in
the
minor
leagues
and
e adept at getting
his son of everyth
molded him into the most fearsome player in cracked Boogaard’s face with a right hand. reach New York
inneapolis, Boothe bullying, the
Boogaard usually responded to such shots
hockey. They saw how his gentle humility blosgout was Sneaky
hockey, the stru
at becomes asomed
rauhisthe minor lea
into fearless swagger. They felt how the with an angry flurry. This time, he turned and
d nights. Stripper
Boogaard cried
head away and held on to Carkner. He did him.
not
game
changed when he strode onto the ice.
e dance floor,
and
es beyond the vel- But by the 2009-10 season, Boogaard was 27,
Few knew that
throw another punch.
ogaard was a regday evenings, car
All fall, Boogaard’s family and friends had
and his body carried a lot of mileage. He missed
lars in cash and d
d with alcohol
tington, Long Isla
theso start of the season while in rehabilitation, noticed an indifference in his fighting. Boogaard
punch them,
parking lot there a
MARK TAYLOR/THE CANADIAN PRESS, VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS
rvived a shotand
from his contract was to expire at season’s end.
full of painkiller
was listed
at 260 pounds, but weighed nearly
ople bought him
Less
than
six
years
after
Derek
Boogaard’s
first
game
in
the
N.H.L.,
his
family
gathered
for
his
fu300 when he joined the Rangers. Team officials
tures of himHe
andplayed 57 games, and had no goals and nine
Continued o
Manic, Sullen and Lonely
fights.
neral in Regina, Saskatchewan. His parents held jerseys from his teams, the Wild and the Rangers.
expressed concern about his effectiveness on
‘He was white. And I touched his arm and I knew
right away because rigor mortis had already set in.’
RYAN BOOGAARD, Derek’s brother
Derek Boogaard’s 16 pages of handwritten notes captured his feelings about his journey from youth hockey in western Canada to the N.H.L.
written notes captured hisDerek
feelings
about his16
journey
youth hockey
in captured
western Canada
to the
N.H.L.
Boogaard’s
pages from
of handwritten
notes
his feelings
about
his journey from youth hock
notes captured his feelings about his journey from youth hockey in western Canada to the N.H.L.
A Brain ‘Going Bad’
Brain
‘Going
Bad’ ‘Going Ba
ABad’
Brain
rain ‘Going
the ice, even his safety in a fight, his agent said.
they revealed he was having headaches.
But muchdroveof his that
was disguised
bytests several When
Lenwhere
Boogaard
arrived
in
New
York
random drug
times a place,
Derek
Boogaard’s
brothers stared at
car to Minneapolis.
He
he drank Jack Daniel’s
and
From Preceding Page
week. Some are allowed to leave the Cokes. The group shuffled among the giant body sprawled on the bed. On
dropped off more pills at his apartment
Boogaard’s
sound
beating
of
from
in
January,
he
barely
recognized
grounds with an approved
escortOttawa
— a Sneaky
the dresser
were framed photographs
and returned
to rehabilitation
inPhiladelphia’s
Los
Pete’s
and three other
downgaard’s best friend in New York, Devin
staff member for the first few weeks, a town Minneapolis bars. At some point, of their grandparents. There were picAngeles.
Wilson.
Jody Shelley on Boogaard
Nov. 4rented
and
a rare
goal,friend
theor afirst
his
son. Several
times
overthe several
the
family member
after.
former pets,
including a bulla Porsche
for $5,000
or several points,
Derek fueled
buzz tures ofdays,
Boogaard sorted the pills into pastel“It might look odd to someone outwith more prescription painkillers.
dog named Trinity.
and spent $1,200 on one dinner that
colored plasticsince
Easter eggs,
which
he
his
rookie
season,
against
Washington
on
toughest
hockey
bawled
arms.
side,” Cousens
said. “But
integrity is man
At the
foot of the bed was a brown
week,
part of $32,000
he put on his
Visa
Oncein
home
in his second-floor
apart-in his
stashed aroundHe
his apartment,
a one- drug
on the
ground.”
stain,
whereaDerek
had thrown
up on h
card over
two weeks.
Aaronhis
Boogaard,
random
tests
several
times
mentDaniel’s
on North
Street, he
spent Boogaard’s
Derek
brothers
stare
neapolis.
place,
where
he He
drank random
Jack
and
drugFirst
tests
several
times
drove
car anot
tolacking
Minneapolis.
where
man game
of hide
and seek.
He Page
carried
Nov.
9.
had
to inhold
him,”
saidplace,
ofon the
On Thursday, May 12, about “I
a month
four years younger, joined him in Los
time
the bathroom.
He Len
went to Boogaard
his the beige carpet.
From
Preceding
week.
are
allowed
to leave
theinto
giant
body
sprawled
bed
his
Cokes.
The
group
shuffled
among
week.
Some
are
to leave
the
dropped
more
pills
his
in a pocket
whenever
he
left, Some
thetests
The
random
drug
several
times
aoffhotel.
Boogaard’s
brothers
stared
at
s.oneapartment
He
place,
where
heapartment
drank
Jackwas
Daniel’s
and
his at
rehabilitation,
Boogaard
“He was
white,” Cokes.
Ryan
said. Like
his
Angeles
and stayed
at a nearby
bedroom
at the
end
ofDerek
theallowed
hall.the
contents in
adjusted
for how
long helater,
exMadison
Square
Garden
Derek.
“It
was
like
he
was
younger,
when
a second Pete’s
extended
recess.
father,were
he
police
officer,
a On
member
Thethe
brothers
exercised
and
boxed
at—
ato
Friends
left.
Itwhen
was
3 a.m.
Aaron
grounds
an
approved
escort
a granted
thebody
dresser
framed
photogra
ation
Los
Sneaky
and He
three
other
downgrounds
with
anafter
approved
escort
—is aaon
and
returned
rehabilitation
in Los
Sneaky
Pete’
week.Days
Some
arewith
allowed
to
leave
the
the
giant
sprawled
the
bed.
tment
Cokes.
The
group
shuffled
among
pected to be gone.
with Aaron to attend the graduation made pancakes in the kitchen. Derek of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
They went to the beach every day.
rd’s
best
instaff
New
York,gym.
Devin
for
the
first
few
weeks,
a left
of
their
grandparents.
There
were
town
Atdownsome
“You
couldfriend
tell
he didn’t
trustmember
himmember
for
the
first
few
a photographs
Angeles.
town
crowd
chanted
Boogaard’s
name
he
poundwas
astaff
little
kid
growing
up.
justSaskatchewan.
sobbed
grounds
with
an approved
—
a on as
dresser
were
framed
of their
sister,Minneapolis
Krysten,
from
the bars.
Uninself,”
Los
inweeks,
rural
“AndMinnea
I touched
“There’d
beescort
meetings
going
and
Sneaky
Pete’s
andhe
three
other
called
him
backpoint,
tothe
the bedroom
four
orHe
said Wilson, a teammate when
son.
versity
ofseveral
Kansas. The
plan
was toDerek
meet friend
his arm andpets,
I knewor
right
away because
things like
that, andBoogaard
heafter.
wouldn’t really
five
times.
Sitting
at themember
end tures
of the bed,
friend
or
a
family
member
of
former
including
a b
che
for
$5,000
or
points,
fueled
the
buzz
or
a
family
after.
rented
a
Porsche
for
$5,000
several
poi
staff
member
for
the
first
few
weeks,
a
of
their
grandparents.
There
were
pictown
Minneapolis
bars.
At
some
point,
they were teenagers
who stayed with
ed
Edmonton’s
Steve
MacIntyre.
During
re-other brother,
away
uncontrollably.”
up withatheir
Ryan,
in he babbled and said the bed was spin- rigor mortis had already set in.”
doing anything,”
Aaron Boogaard
oogaard
sorted
thelast“It
pills
into be
pastelBoogaard
weekends
spring.
might
look
to
outdog
Trinity.
dinnermany
that
more
painkillers.
“It buzz
might look
odd
to named
someone
outspent
$1,200
onwith
one
that
withaupmore
pre
Minneapolis
for dinner
a fewprescription
days first.
Aaron
began
jumping
and down,
said.
“I’d odd
try
to and
say: someone
‘Dude,
shouldn’t
ning.
friend
or
a
family
member
after.
tures
of
former
pets,
including
bull$5,000
or
several
points,
Derek
fueled
the
By plastic
Boogaard
resumed
lightwhich
match
minutes
later,
noticed
MacIntyre
weeks,
Boogaard
mostly
shuttered
red
Easter
eggs,
Thathe
morning,
Derek
screaming.
Ryan
told
him
to call
you
be he
doingfew
that
stuff?
Ipart
think every“He was
miserable,”
Aaron
said.
side,”
Cousens
said.
“But
integrity
is more
At the
foot of is
thehimbedOnce
was
a 911,
br
ut
onMarch,
his
Visa
Once
home
in For
hissent
second-floor
apartside,”
Cousens
said.
“But
integrity
week,
ofa
$32,000
put
on
hisBoogaard
Visa
home
might
odd
to
someone
outrworkouts
that
with
with
the“It
Rangers,
whoselook
doca messageprescription
from the airport inpainkillers.
Los Anbody
else
here is doing it.
Why don’t
Eventually, thedog
calls named
from the Trinity.
bed- then took a couple of steps into the hallhed
around
his
apartment,
a onetorsBoogaard,
continued jab
to supply
him with
pre- Boogaard’s
not
lacking
on
the
ground.”
stain,
where
Derek
had
thrown
on
ment
on
North
First
Street,
he
spent
that
broke
nose
and
most
likely
self
inside
his
$7,000-a-month
apartment
on
the
not
lacking
on
the
ground.”
card
over
two
weeks.
Aaron
Boogaard,
ment
on
Nor
geles
to
Wilson
in
New
York.
There
was
way
and
collapsed.
you?’”
room
stopped.
side,”
Cousensthesaid. “But integrity is
At the foot of the bed was a brown up
s Visa drugs.
Once home in his second-floor apartMark
ndscription
game
of Los
hide
andMessier,
seek.
He carried
a picture
of a drink
in his bathroom.
hand.
on the floor, he called his faBoogaard
was12,
under
the
guidance
of
Asleep
at last,
Aaron
thought.
He
left
On
Thursday,
May
about
a
month
the
beige
carpet.
himStanley
in
time
in
the
He
went
to
his
On
Thursday,
May
12,
about
aLying
month
four
years
younger,
joined
him
in
Los
time
in
the b
team’s
Cup
hero
in
1994
and
not
lacking
on
the
ground.”
stain,
where
Derek
had
thrown
up
on
gaard,
ment
on
North
First
Street,
he
spent
gave
him
aheconcussion.
Boogaard
floor toofspend
the
Sheffield,
on
Street
near
“Bloodyone
Mary No.33rd
6,” Boogaard
house
in
Ottawa.
Len
Boogaard’s
the Substance Abuse
and Behavioralmissed
what
remained of the
night
at57th
a ther’s
in aa team
pocket
whenever
left,
the
now
executive,
tried
to motivate
into
his
rehabilitation,
Boogaard
was
“He
was
white,”
Ryan
said.nothing
Like
nearby
hotel.
bedroom
at
the
end
of
the
hall.
into
his
rehabilitation,
Boogaard
was
wrote.
“And
we
haven’t hotel.
even He
left the
Angeles
and
stayed
at
a
nearby
answered
and heard
Health
Program,
financed
jointly
by the
bedroom
at
th
girlfriend’s
place. He
returned
at carpet.
about
3 wife, Jody,
On
Thursday,
May
12,
about
a
month
the
beige
nhimLos
time
in
the
bathroom.
went
to
his
withadjusted
a pep game
talk. forand
played
the
next.
Columbus
Circle
in
Manhattan.
The
view
of
Cenbut
unintelligible
wails.
She thought
it
N.H.L.
andextended
its players recess.
union. TheyHe ground yet.”
p.m. 3toa.m.
shower
and change. father,
He poked
ents
how
long
he
exgranted
a
second
he
is
a
police
officer,
a
mem
nd
boxed
at
a
Friends
left.
It
was
after
Aaron
granted
a
second
extended
recess.
He
The
brothers
exercised
and
boxed
at
a
Friends
A day or two
later,his
a noodle-legged
into
rehabilitation,
was — Dawasin bed.
white,”
said.
his left
hotel.
bedroom at the end of the hall. his head into Derek’s“He
was Ryan
a prank call
and Like
nearly hung
up.
would notBoogaard
make the co-directors
room. Still
ed
to
be
gone.
Boogaard
fell
during
on-ice
workouts.
‘His
Chest
Wasn’t
Moving’
Then
came
Carkner.
He
Boogaard
and
tral
Park
was
obscured
by
Boogaard
left
with
Aaron
to attend
thelifted
graduation
ofthe
the
Royal
Canadian
Mounted
Po
ch
every
made
in 3the
kitchen.
Derek
Finally,
she made a
sense
of the
words
vid
Lewis,
a psychiatrist,
and went
Brian
He
shouted
that
he
was
leaving
for
the
left
with
Aaron
to attend
graduation
gym.
They
to the
beach
day.
made
pancak
granted
asymptoms.
second
extended
recess.
He
father,
he
isthe
ablinds
police
officer,
member
dTheat
a day.
Friends
left.pancakes
Itevery
was
after
a.m.
Aaron
Rangers
recognized
thedidn’t
Shaw,
a clinical psychologist and proThe night of May 12 began with a airport to get their brother Ryan and left contained in the screams.
You
could
tell
he
trust
himtheir
sister,
Krysten,
from
thelanded
Uniin rural
Saskatchewan.
“And
I touc
going
called
himinback
to
the
bedroom
fourofor
their
sister,
Krysten,
from
the
Uni“There’d
be
going
on
and
called
ba
It wason
earlyand
April,
theof
last
week
of
slammed
him
down.
on
kept
closed.
left
with
Aaron
to
attend
graduation
the Royal
Canadian
Mounted
Police
y day.
made
pancakes
the
kitchen.
Derek
Len was
in the backyard.
Hehim
grabbed
fessor
at the
theBoogaard
University
of Toronto
— meetings
painkiller,
ahis
30-milligram
Percocet
that of again.
”thesaid
Wilson,
teammate
whenfor
regularreally
season, andaBoogaard
was Kansas.
theto
phone.
available
comment.
Aaron
Boogaard
later
told
thebedroom
police
Nearly
three
hours
later,
Ryan
andwas
versity
The
plan
was
tothat,
meet
his
arm
and
I meet
knew
right
away
ouldn’t
five
times.
at he
the
end
of
the
bed,
versity
of
Kansas.
The
plan
things
like
and
he
wouldn’t
really
five
times.beca
Sit
of
sister, ofKrysten,
from
the
Uniin him
rural
Saskatchewan.
“And
I touched
non and
called
him
back
toSitting
the
four
or
his way back
totheir
drug shoulder.
rehabilitation
right
The
back
ofthehis
head
be“Ithe
knew rink
this was going
to happen,” he
Cassidy
Cousens,
founder
and struck
handed histhe
brother at their The
two-bed-Rangers
Aaron arrivedtold
and stepped
intoto
the avoid
back
yon
were
teenagers
who
stayed
with
up
with
their
other
brother,
Ryan,
in
rigor
mortis
had
already
set
in.”
Boogaard
he
babbled
and
said
the
bed
was
spinin
California.
up
with
their
other
brother,
Ryan,
in
be
doing
anything,”
Aaron
Boogaard
he
babbled
versity of Kansas. The
plan
was to ofmeet
histo arm
andolder
I knew
really
five room
times.
Sitting
at the end
the bed,
cried.right away because an
program
administrator
the Authentic
apartment
in Minneapolis.
Derek,of bedroom,
expecting
find their
Friends
thought
he He
wasMinneapolis
vacationing.
gaard
many
weekends
last
spring.
ice.
rose
slowly
and
went
to
the
locker
room.
cause
the
commute,
the
movement,
even
watchThe
Hennepin
medical
examRecovery
Center
in Los first.
Angeles,
where
hoursning.
out
of rehabilitation,
was bent
on Minneapolis
brother sleepingfor
off
aahangover.
It was
for
a
few
days
Aaron
began
jumping
up and
do
de,
shouldn’t
few
days
first.
said.
“I’d
try
to
say:
‘Dude,
shouldn’t
ning.
up
with
their
other
brother,
Ryan,
in
rigor
mortis
had
already
setCounty
in.”
gaard
he
babbled
and
said
the
bed
was
spincalled and texted from his cellphone
iner ruled it an accidental overdose of
Boogaard
was assigned, would not disa party.
about 6 p.m. on Friday, May 13.
yHe
March,
Boogaard
resumed
light
That
morning,
Derek
Boogaard
sent
and
ate
in
nice
restaurants.
After
a
couscreaming.
Ryan
told
him
to
call
think
every“He
was
miserable,”
Aaron
said.
morning,
Derek
Boogaard
sent
“I noticed
he
ofCousens
stopped
and
Ijeans, aing
hockeyThat
could
bring
nausea.
The
team
delivyou
besaid
doing
that stuff?
I think
every“He
was
mi
alcohol
and oxycodone,
the
active
incuss kind
his case.
thatfighting
paHe wore
dark
blue-and-white
Minneapolis
for
a
few
days
first.
“I looked
and it didn’t
lookbegan
right,”
Aaron
jumping
up
and
down,
uldn’t
ning.
of weeks,
granted
a recess from rekouts
with
the Rangers,
whose
docin painkillers
likeinto
OxyContin
tients
generally
go through
a Los
detoxifishirt
and Pumas.
He calls
had a Ryan
said.the
“Like,
his chest
movamorning,
message
from
the
airport
in
An-ischeckered
then
took
aLos
couple
of steps
t.ple
Why
don’t
Eventually,
the
from
bedmessage
from
thewasn’t
airport
ingredient
Anbody
else
here
doing
it. Why
don’t
That
Boogaard
sent
screaming.
Ryan
him
to Eventually,
call
911,the h
everywas
miserable,”
Aaron
said.
habilitation,
hetook
flew
to him
New
York
and Derek
down
and
landed
top,”
Carkner
told
a healthy
his
door
every
afternoon,
andtold
Percocet.
cation
program
and on
are subjected
to “He
dinner
with
friends at aered
steak-and-sushi
ing.” meal to
continued
to supply
him
with
pregelesfrom
to Wilson
in New
York.
There was
way
andThere
collapsed.
room stopped.
geles
to
Wilson
in New
York.
was into
you?’”
stopped
“The
coroner
saidroom
with
that
mixture,
areporters.
message
the
airport
in
Los
Anthen
took
a
couple
of
steps
the
halldon’t
Eventually,
the
calls
from
the
bed“Obviously,
you
land a punch
on
usually
threw
it
away.
His
kitchen
ption
drugs.
Messier,
the inifhis
he probably
died as he
soon
as he closed
picture
a drink
hand.
Lying
on
the
floor,
called
e guidance
of Mark
Asleep
atbut
last,Boogaard
Aarona picture
thought.
left
ofHe
a drink
in his
hand.
Boogaard
under
theaguidance
of
Asleep
athis
la
geles
toaWilson
inofNew
York. There
was was
way
and
collapsed.
room
stopped.
his eyes,” Aaron said.
m’s
Stanley
Cuplike
hero
in 1994
and good.
guy
that
it
feels
It
feels
good
to
take
counter
overflowed
with
fast-food
packages.
“Bloody
Mary
No.
6,”
Boogaard
ther’s
house
in
Ottawa.
Len
Boogaa
d
Behavioral
to
spend
what
remained
of
the
night
at
a
“Bloody
Mary
No.
6,”
Boogaard
the
Substance
Abuse
and
Behavioral
to
spend
what
a picture of a drink in his hand.
Lying on the Researchers’
floor, he called
his
fance of
Asleep at last, Aaron thought. He left
‘Wow’ Moment
a teamby
executive,
to
motivate
wrote.
“And
we haven’t
even
left to
the
wife,
Jody,
answered
and
heard noth
jointly
the
girlfriend’s
place.
Hethe
returned
ata about
3haven’t
wrote.
“And
we
even
left the
Program,
financed
by the
girlfriend’s
pl
“Bloody
No.
6,” Health
Boogaard
ther’s
house
in Ottawa.
Len
Boogaard’s
down
atried
bigMary
man
like
that.”
vioral
The
fog
of atBoogaard’s
postconcussion
synspend
whatjointly
remained
of
night
It did not
take
long for Dr. Ann
with
a
pep
talk.
ground
yet.”
but answered
unintelligible
wails.
She
though
union.
p.m.place.
to
shower
and change.
He
poked
ground
yet.”
McKee and
to seeheard
the telltale
brown
spots
N.H.L.
and
its
players
union.
They
p.m.
to
show
wrote.The
“And
we
haven’t
even
left
the
wife,
Jody,
nothing
by
the They
girlfriend’s
He
returned
at
about
3
said Boogaard
was out
indefidrome
slid
intoStill
a hazy
shade
of loneliness.
near the outerEarly
surface of Boogaard’s
day or—two
aRangers
noodle-legged
was a prank
call She
and
nearly
hung
ectors
Da-later,yet.”
head into
room.
in bed.
would not make
co-directors
Dahis
into
ground
but unintelligible
wails.
thought
it
They
p.m.the
tohis
shower
and—Derek’s
change.
He poked
brain
— the road
signs
ofhead
C.T.E. She
did
‘His
Chest
Wasn’t
Moving’
gaard
fell
during
on-ice
workouts.
‘His
Chest
Wasn’t
Moving’
nitely
with
a
shoulder
injury.
Ten
days
later,
in
the
season,
a
stream
of
friends
had
gone
to
Finally,
she
made
sense
of
the
wo
not
know
much
about
Boogaard
other
t,
and
Brian
He
shouted
that
he
was
leaving
for
the
vid
Lewis,
a
psychiatrist,
and
Brian
He
shouted
th
and
nearly
hung
up.
— Dahis head into Derek’s room. Still in bed. was a prank callthan
that he was a 28-year-old hockey
Rangers
recognized
theWasn’t
symptoms.
‘His Chest
in
the
screams.
gist
and proThe
night
of Moving’
May Shaw,
12 began
with
airport
to get
their
brother
Ryan
andof
leftMaycontained
a clinical
psychologist
andwas
pro-leaving
The
night
12 began
with
a
airport
to
get
Finally,
she
made
sense
of
the
words
Brian
Heashouted
that
he
for
the
player. And the damage was obvious.
was
early —
April,painkiller,
the last week
of
“That
surprised
me,”
she said.
was
in the
backyard.
He grab
of
Toronto
a 30-milligram
Percocet
again.
fessor
atathethat
University
Toronto
— Ryan
painkiller,
that
again.
containedLen
in Percocet
the
screams.
d proThe night
of May
12 began
with
airport
to getoftheir
brother
and left a 30-milligram
A neuropathologist, McKee is one of
regular season, and
Boogaard
was
phone.
Aaron
Boogaard
later available
told the police
he
Nearly three hoursAaron
later, Boogaard
Ryan andlaterthe
for comment.
told
the police he
Nearly thre
brain — the road sig
not know much aboh
than that he was ah
player. And the damR
“That surprised m
A neuropathologiM
n
four co-directors of b
Center for the Studn
cephalopathy and tt
center’s brain bankp
nearly 80 brains o
mainly retired footbf
ers who spent theirC
blows to the head. cc
reviewed findings on
widely accepted by m
The National Footbe
b
dismissive, has sincr
help underwrite thew
The group may noT
bering case: a youndh
lete, dead in midcar
ingly advanced degb
l
age.
i
“To see this amoua
moment,” McKee sa
magnified images om
tissue. “This is all gom
t
The degenerative
advanced in Boogaa
Bob Probert, a domiB
generation, who plags
sons, struggled wita
addictions and dieda
age 45 in 2010.
d
WAYNE CUDDINGTON/OTTAWA
CITIZEN/POSTMEDIA
NEWS
In the
pastWAYNE
two ye
WAYNE CUDDINGTON/OTTAWA
CITIZEN/POSTMEDIA
NEWS
CUm
Boogaard
wasCarkner,
thrown to theveteran
ice by Matt
Carkner,
a veteran
minor leagueon
intimidator,
on Dec. He
9, 2010. He never
played
again.
diagnosed in the bra7
as thrown to the ice
by Matt
minor
league
intimidator,
Dec.
9, 2010.
played
again.
WAYNE
CUDDINGTON/OTTAWA
CITIZEN/POSTMEDIA
NEWS
Boogaardawas
thrown
to the
ice by
Matt
Carkner,
a veteran
minor never
league
intimidator,
on Dec.
9, 2010.
H
mer
N.H.L.
players
y Matt Carkner, a veteran minor league intimidator, on Dec. 9, 2010. He never played again.
73, and Rick Martin,
‘Ifinyou
polled our
probably
more
would
say
New York to see him play and take
the sights.
$150fans,
on candy
at a Duane
Reade
drugstore.
they
part
ofyou
the game
andknowing
should
be retained.’
‘If youout
polled
ourit’s
fans,
probably
more
would
say
‘If
polled
our
fans,
probably
mo
But with Boogaard
of thethink
lineup,
the
Len
Boogaard,
that
his
son had
GARY
BETTMAN,
N.H.L.
commissioner,
on
fighting
ofthey
visitors
waned.
Boogaard
grew
des- more
been enrolled
insay
a substance-abuse
program
‘Ifnumber
you polled
our
fans,
probably
would
think
it’s
part
of the
game
and
retained.’
they
think
it’sshould
part
ofbe
the
game
and shou
perate for company. His January cellphone bill since September 2009, was surprised to see so
they think
it’s part of the game
and
should
be retained.’
BETTMAN,
commissioner,
onGARY
fighting
BETTMAN,
commissioner,
needed 167 pages to detail calls GARY
and text
mes- N.H.L.
many
prescription
bottles
in the N.H.L.
bathroom
with on fight
BETTMAN,
N.H.L.
sages, some toGARY
people
who had
notcommissioner,
heard fromon fighting
the names of Rangers doctors. He was also surhim in years. February’s bill consumed 222 pag- prised to hear from his son that he had been gives. It listed 13,724 text messages.
en four days’ notice for his next drug test.
Those who went to New York noticed his
Len Boogaard played a DVD of family phomemory lapses were growing worse. Boogaard tos and home movies. He reminded his son of
joked about them, saying he had been hit on
everything he went through to reach New York
the head too many times. But they also came to — the family moves, the bullying, the naysayers
worry about his darkening personality and im- of youth hockey, the struggles through juniors
pulsive behavior. His characteristic sweetness and the minor leagues.
and easy manner, his endearing eagerness to
Boogaard cried, and his father held him.
please, had evaporated.
Few knew that Derek, usually on Sunday
Friends said Boogaard was at turns manic
evenings, carried thousands of dollars in cash
and sullen. He went days without showering.
and drove his Audi to Huntington, Long IsHe made grand and scattered plans. He talk- land. He met a man in a parking lot there and
ed about buying land in British Columbia and
bought Ziploc bags full of painkillers, according
building one big house for himself and cabins for
to Boogaard’s best friend in New York, Devin
family members. He spent thousands on night- Wilson.
vision goggles, hundreds on walkie-talkies, and
Boogaard sorted the pills into pastel-col-
r eggs, which he
partment, a oned seek. He carried
never he left, the
how long he ex-
side,” Cousens said. “But integrity is
At the foot of
week, part of $32,000 he put on his Visa
Once home in his second-floor apartnot lacking on the ground.”
card over two weeks. Aaron Boogaard,
ment on North First Street, he spent stain, where Der
On Thursday, May 12, about a month time in the bathroom. He went to his the beige carpet.
four years younger, joined him in Los
into his rehabilitation, Boogaard was bedroom at the end of the hall.
“He was white
Angeles and stayed at a nearby hotel.
granted
a second extended
recess.psychologist
He
father, he is a po
The brothers
exercisedeggs,
and boxed
at a
Friends left.
It was
after 3 a.m.at
Aaron
ored plastic
Easter
which
he stashed
a clinical
and
professor
the Unileft with Aaron to attend the graduation made pancakes in the kitchen. Derek of the Royal Can
gym. They went to the beach every day.
didn’t trustaround
himhis
apartment,
one-man
hideKrysten,
versity
ofUniToronto
for comment.
of theirofsister,
from the
“There’d
be meetingsagoing
on and game
called—
himavailable
back to the bedroom
four or in rural Saskatch
teammate when
versity
of Kansas. The plan was
to meet Cousens,
thingsHe
like carried
that, and he
wouldn’t
really
five times. Sitting
at the end and
of the program
bed, his arm and I kne
and
seek.
one
in
a
pocket
whenever
Cassidy
the
founder
who stayed with
up with their other brother, Ryan, in he babbled and said the bed was spin- rigor mortis had a
be doing anything,” Aaron Boogaard
ends last spring.
he left,said.
the“I’d
contents
adjusted
for howMinneapolis
long he exadministrator
of the Authentic Recovery Center
for a few days
first.
Aaron began j
try to say:
‘Dude, shouldn’t
ning.
rd resumed light
That morning, Derek Boogaard sent
screaming. Ryan
you be doing that stuff? I think every“He was miserable,” Aaron said.
to
be
gone.
in
Los
Angeles,
where
Boogaard
was
assigned,
ngers, whosepected
doca message from the airport in Los Anbody else here is doing it. Why don’t
Eventually, the calls from the bed- then took a coupl
ply him with pre- “You
geles to Wilson
in Newwould
York. There
was
way and collapse
you?’”
room stopped.
could
tell
he
didn’t
trust
himself,”
said
not
discuss
his case. Cousens said that
rk Messier, the
a picture of a drink in his hand.
Lying on the f
Boogaard was under the guidance of
Asleep at last, Aaron thought. He left
teammate
when
they were “Bloody
teenagers
hero in 1994Wilson,
and
patients
generally
through
detoxification
Mary No.
6,” Boogaard
thea Substance
Abuse
and Behavioral
to spendgo
what
remained ofathe
night at a ther’s house in O
, tried to motivate
wrote. “Andlast
we haven’t
even left the
wife, Jody, answe
Health Program,
financed jointly
by theweekends
place. He returned
at about 3 drug
who stayed
with Boogaard
many
program
and girlfriend’s
are subjected
to random
ground yet.”
N.H.L. and its players union. They
p.m. to shower and change. He poked but unintelligible
, a noodle-legged
spring.would not make the co-directors — Datests several times
a into
week.
Some
allowed
toa prank call
his head
Derek’s
room.are
Still in
bed. was
on-ice workouts.
‘His Chest Wasn’t Moving’
Finally,
vid
Lewis,
a
psychiatrist,
and
Brian
He
shouted
that
he
was
leaving
for
the
March,
Boogaard resumed light
work- leave the grounds with an approved escort — a she mad
ed the symptoms. ByShaw,
a clinical psychologist and proThe night of May 12 began with a airport to get their brother Ryan and left contained in the s
the last week
of
outs with
the
Rangers,
doctors
continued
staff
member
the first few weeks, a friend or
Len was in the
fessor
at the
Universitywhose
of Toronto
—
painkiller,
a 30-milligram
Percocet
that for
again.
nd Boogaard was
available for comment.
Aaron Boogaard later told the police he
Nearly three hours later, Ryan and the phone.
to supply
him with prescription drugs.
Mark
a family member after.
rug rehabilitation
“I knew this wa
Cassidy Cousens, the founder and
handed his brother at their two-bed- Aaron arrived and stepped into the back
cried.
program
administrator
of the Authentic
room apartment
in Minneapolis.
expecting
to find their older
Messier,
the
team’s
Stanley
Cup
hero
in
1994
“It Derek,
might bedroom,
look odd
to someone
outside,”
was vacationing.
The Hennepin
Recovery Center in Los Angeles, where
hours out of rehabilitation, was bent on brother sleeping off a hangover. It was
and now
a team
tried
to motivate
him Cousens said. about
“But6 p.m.
integrity
is not
on
rom his cellphone
ruled it an a
Boogaard
wasexecutive,
assigned, would
not disa party.
on Friday, May
13. lackinginer
rants. After a coucuss
his
case. Cousens said that paHe wore dark jeans,the
a blue-and-white
“I looked and it didn’t look right,” alcohol and oxyc
with
a
pep
talk.
ground.”
a recess from retients generally go through a detoxificheckered shirt and Pumas. He had Ryan said. “Like, his chest wasn’t mov- gredient in pain
to New York and A day
two later,
a noodle-legged
Boogaard
On Thursday,
hisPercocet.
cationor
program
and are
subjected to
dinner
with friends at a steak-and-sushi
ing.” May 12, about a month intoand
“The coroner s
fell during on-ice workouts. The Rangers recog- rehabilitation, Boogaard was granted a second
he probably died
nized the symptoms.
extended recess. He left with Aaron to attend
his eyes,” Aaron s
It was early April, the last week of the reguthe graduation of their sister, Krysten, from Researchers’
the
lar season, and Boogaard was on his way back
University of Kansas. The plan was to meet up
It did not tak
McKee to see th
to drug rehabilitation in California.
with their other brother, Ryan, in Minneapolis
near the outer s
brain — the road
Friends thought he was vacationing. He for a few days first.
not know much
called and texted from his cellphone and ate
That morning, Derek Boogaard sent a mesthan that he was
player. And the d
in nice restaurants. After a couple of weeks,
sage from the airport in Los Angeles to Wilson
“That surprise
granted a recess from rehabilitation, he flew to in New York. There was a picture of a drink in
A neuropatholo
four co-directors
New York and drove his car to Minneapolis. He
his hand.
Center for the St
dropped off more pills at his apartment and re“Bloody Mary No. 6,” Boogaard wrote. “And
cephalopathy an
center’s brain ba
turned to rehabilitation in Los Angeles.
we haven’t even left the ground yet.”
nearly 80 brain
mainly retired foo
Boogaard rented a Porsche for $5,000 and
ers who spent th
‘His
Chest
Wasn’t
Moving’
spent $1,200 on one dinner that week, part of
blows to the hea
reviewed finding
The night of May 12 began with a painkiller,
$32,000 he put on his Visa card over two weeks.
widely accepted
Aaron Boogaard, four years younger, joined a 30-milligram Percocet that Aaron Boogaard
The National Foo
has s
later told the police he handed his brotherdismissive,
at
him in Los Angeles and stayed at a nearby hohelp underwrite t
tel. The brothers exercised and boxed at a gym. their two-bedroom apartment in Minneapolis.
The group may
case: a yo
Derek, hours out of rehabilitation, was bentbering
on
They went to the beach every day.
lete, dead in mid
a party.
“There’d be meetings going on and things
ingly advanced
age.
He wore dark jeans, a blue-and-white
like that, and he wouldn’t really be doing any“To see this am
moment,” McKee
thing,” Aaron Boogaard said. “I’d try to say: checkered shirt and Pumas. He had dinner
magnified image
with friends at a steak-and-sushi place, where
‘Dude, shouldn’t you be doing that stuff? I
tissue. “This is al
The degenerat
he drank Jack Daniel’s and Cokes. The group
think everybody else here is doing it. Why don’t
advanced in Boo
shuffled among Sneaky Pete’s and three other
you?’ ”
Bob Probert, a do
who
downtown Minneapolis bars. At some point,generation,
or
Boogaard was under the guidance of the
sons, struggled w
several points, Derek fueled the buzz with more
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Proaddictions and d
age 45 in 2010.
prescription painkillers.
gram, financed jointly by the N.H.L. and its playIn the past two
diagnosed in the
Once home in his second-floor apartment
ers union. They would not make the co-directors
mer N.H.L. play
North
First
Street,
heagain.
spent time in the bathDavid
a psychiatrist,
Brian
ogaard was —
thrown
to theLewis,
ice by Matt
Carkner, a veteranand
minor
leagueShaw,
intimidator, on
on Dec.
9, 2010.
He never
played
73, and Rick Mart
WAYNE CUDDINGTON/OTTAWA CITIZEN/POSTMEDIA NEWS
‘If you polled our fans, probably more would say
they think it’s part of the game and should be retained.’
GARY BETTMAN, N.H.L. commissioner, on fighting
Len Boogaard, a cop and father, tries the league’s substance-abuse program; and Jeremy Clark,
cha
on,
Requests to spea
nclusions
at this
tions
to vague
diagnoses
medto make
sense of itin
all.team
On leave
from his
ager
Chuck
Fletch
Boogaard’s
close
friend
and
trainer,
talks
about
Boogaard’s
sioner
Betttold
is Gary
desk
job
in
Ottawa
—
a
back
injury
ical reports.
rector, Dr. Sheld
e’re not sure that
years
ago
forced
him offin
theMay,
streets — life off the ice.
dow
aid
Since
the
day
of
the
funeral
fused.
ta we have avail∂ VIDEO Battling injuries and abusing prescription drugs,
he patches together the remains of
Hek
oloHe
went
to
his
bedroom
at
the
end
of
the
“Like,
his
chest
wasn’t
moving.”
Lenroom.
Boogaard
said,
he
has
not
heard
For
those
who
Derek’s world.
Boogaard
is a shell of
whoBoogaard’s
won fans’ adoration
∂ MOTION
GRAPHIC
A the
lookplayer
inside
brain in
and the
sce
for
Boston University
fromhall.
the Rangers.
Like a detective, he dials contacts in
Derek
brothers stared at thethere
gi- are questio
Minnesota.
His finalhave
chapter
is writtenBoogaard’s
by to
a neuropathologist
that might
contributed
his decline.
resolved and and
regr
hy.
nascent field
Derek’s
phonetoto answer
ask who knows
The ofteam
refused
a de-what. disease
who sliced open his brain
her laboratory.
left. hundreds
It was after
3 a.m.
antinbody
sprawled on the bed. On the dresser
relieved.
s little debate
H
Hequestions
explores
of their
pages
of Aaron made
nce
tailedthat
listFriends
of
regarding
∂ DOCUMENTS
The policeGary
report
from Boogaard’s death
at
In July, Aaron
bytorepeated blows
phonein
records
to reconstruct
Derek’s
∂ EXTENDED
INTERVIEWS
Bettman, commissioner
of
carB
pancakes
the
kitchen.
Derek
called
him
back
were
framed
photographs
of
their
grandparmedical
treatment
of
Boogaard
during
with a felony fo
d that the N.H.L.
apartment,
and hisBoogaard’s
brother’sdeath,
statement
police.
relationships, his moods, his sleep pat- his the
N.H.L., discusses
the roleto
of the
fighting
exp
the to
season
and He
hisfollows
time
in or
rehabilitatrolled substance
earch seriously.
the terns.
bedroom
four
fivetrying
times.
at the
theuse ofents.
There
were
pictures
of former pets, includpaper
trails,
to Sitting
in
hockey,
prescription
drugs
among
players
and
gam
pid
to
his
brother
the
y one person
gets
tion.end
history
of
his son’s and
prescrip∂ PHOTOGRAPHS
Theing
Boogaard
family.named
oflink
thethebed,
he
babbled
said
the
was
a bulldog
the bed
league’s
substance-abuse
program; and
Jeremy Trinity.
Clark,
charge was dropp
the
nted
another It
person,
tions to vague
diagnoses
in team
also refused
requests
to speak
to medBoogaard’s close friend andAt
trainer,
about
told the police
a course that
is
spinning.
thetalks
foot
ofBoogaard’s
the bed was a brown stain,
ical reports.
gaa
General
Manager
Glen Sather and the
down the toiletmin
aft
her person,” said
life
off
the
ice.
Since
the
day
of
the
funeral
in
May,
ast
team
physician,
Dr.
Andrew
Feldman,
was miserable,” Aaron said.
where Derek had thrown up on the beige carpet.
He pleaded guilty
a neuropsycholo- “He
Len Boogaard said, he has not heard
id- the Center
∂on
MOTION
GRAPHIC
A look
inside
Boogaard’s
brain
and the
rabilia
that said.
it had Like
storedhis
from
two
seaenforcers.
So did
the
start
of the
amongfor others,
Boogaard.
scene
of a death N
a
for
from theabout
Rangers.
Eventually,
the
calls Infrom toll
the
bedroom
“He
was
white,”
Ryan
father,
disease
thatin
might
have contributed
his decline.
Gra
and
80 hours of
co
cbeEncephalopathy.
sons ago. Fans crowded the team
store.
season
October,
as teamstobestead, it e-mailed
a four-sentence
state-a de-N.H.L.
The team
refused to answer
he is
a police
officer,
a member
of the
CaHe isfatryingTex
to r
ty sure ment
of is,stopped.
once
aid.
list of
questions
Some
went
to Royal
Boogaard’s
ritual ofThe
glossy
tributes
fromtailed
Sather
that
read, regarding
in part, theirgan∂the
DOCUMENTS
policevideo
report from
Boogaard’s
death proceeds
at
career, and with
h
it continues to Asleep
medical
treatment
ofAaron
Boogaard
duringand moments
Der
?”
at last,
thought.
He
left
to
nadian
Mounted
Police
in
rural
Saskatchewan.
vorite
charity.
of
silence.
The
eccentric
“We worked
very closely
with
Derek on
his apartment, and his brother’s statement to the police.
expectation to fig
the season and his time in rehabilitain
a
beparentsright
and away
siblings
formeratcoach
and current
and spend
off the tion.
ice
to provide
him with
games with the L
what
remained
of the
the night
a girlItelevision
touched his Boogaard’s
arm and I knew
Boogaard’s
rapid
∂ PHOTOGRAPHS
The “And
Boogaard
family.
trib
rdwere
escorted
onto
the
ice
and
precommentator Don Cherry chastised
very best possible
Central Hocke
ars is complicated
Itplace.
alsocare.”
refused
requests
to speak
friend’s
He
returned
at to
about 3 p.m. to
because rigor mortis
had
already
in.” ofthe
and
ect
gaard
had two
g
sented
with
flowers,set
a painting
Derek
Boogaard’s
death
tookGlen
onSather
added
General
Manager
and theformer enforcers who second-guess
minutes.
with
the
lastwhen,
shower
and
change.
histheir
head
into
Dernen
began jumping
up and
down, jersey
screamney abuse
team
physician,
Dr. He
Andrew
Feldman,
and a framed
game-worn
of his.He fough
past
roles
as “pukes,”Aaron
“turncoats”
weight
in
August,
twopoked
other
Now 25, he play
, and that coincidthat it arena
stored was
from twodarkened.
seaon enforcers. and
So did
the
start offlared.
the
among were
others,
Boogaard.
In-andtoll
H
enA
“hypocrites,”
the
debate
N.H.L.
enforcers
found
dead.
ek’s
room.
Still
inabout
bed.
HeRick
shouted
that
he
was
ing.
Ryan
told rabilia
himThe
to
callhad
911,
then
took
a couple
Grande Valley K
cognitive
and
besons
ago.
Fans
crowded
the team
store.
N.H.L.
season
in
October,
as
teams
bestead,
it
e-mailed
a
four-sentence
statehoc
nce
4-minute-45-second
tribute
was
shown
Arguments
enveloped
Canada,
in
Rypien,
reportedly
committed
suiTex. He wears No
nges,” Stern
said. 27,ment
Some
proceedsand
went collapsed.
to Boogaard’s fagan the ritual
of glossy
tributes
thatto
read,
intheir
part, brother
leaving
forfrom
theSather
airport
get
Ryan
of video
steps
into the
hallway
ad, the
the video boards.
where
cultureThe
and
traditionvoriteoncharity.
Derek was born.“A
What’s
egg?”
cide
after “We
years
of depression.
Wade
and moments
of silence.
eccentric
worked
very closely with
Derek onparticular,
and
Lying
floor,
he had
called
his
father’s
ing
in a recent
L.inhas tiptoed
beBoogaard’s
parents
and
siblings
former
coach with
and current
television
The Wild
drafted
Boogaard
in 10-gam
collided
tragedy.
No on
one the
andagain.
off
the ice to
provide reporthim with thehave
Belak,
35left
and
recently
retired,
tribute,
he
had
aB
fast-paced,
hardwere
escorted
onto
the
ice
and
precommentator
Don
Cherry
chastised
very
best
possible
care.”
ire
2001,
groomed
him
to
fight
and
paid
him
quite
knows
what
to
make
of
it.
Nearly
three
hours
house in Ottawa. Len Boogaard’s wife, Jody,
edly hanged
himself
16 days
later.later,
(The Ryan and Aaron
and said he had
e need to protect
sented
with flowers,
a painting
of Derek
enforcers
who
second-guess
Boogaard’s
death
took on added Informer
to
mpseveral
million
dollars
over
five
seaMinnesota
two
Sundays
ago,
the
family
has
said
it
was
an
accident.)
arrived
andwhen,
stepped
into the
ex-as “pukes,”
answered
andand
heard
nothing
but
unintelligible
nent with one pun
t player, Sidney
a framed
game-worn
jersey
of his.
their past roles
“turncoats”
weight
in August,
two back
other bedroom,
sons
to bewas
the N.H.L.’s
top enforcer.
honored
Boogaard
with
a pregame
Each
of news,
packed
with
a dead.
wal- RickWildand
His He
motherBoo
ha
e Pittsburgh
Pen-bit N.H.L.
The
arena
darkened.
A
“hypocrites,”
and
the
debate
flared.
enforcers
were
found
pecting
to
find their
older brother
sleeping
a sold
wails.
She thoughtpunched
it was ahisprank
and
nearly
way
tocall
local
adoration
and
The off
team
Boogaard
hockey.
But heand
ha
rresittinglop,
out since
provided
a backdrop
for further
de- sui-tribute.
tribute
was
shown
Arguments
enveloped
Canada, injer-4-minute-45-second
Rypien,
27, reportedly
committed
“I mean, hones
cor
hits
the hangover.
head,
it tobate
It was
about
6 p.m.
on Friday,
May
13. culture
hung
up.memoFinally,
she
sense
of the words
on the
videomade
boards.fear
particular,
where
and tradition
leaguewide
and respect.
seys,
T-shirts
and
autographed
years
of depression.
about cide
the after
role
of
fighting
and
theWade
ing to do?” Aaron
ral
The Wild had drafted Boogaard in
have collided with tragedy. No one
35
and
recently
retired,
reportas
Instar players in “IBelak,
looked and it didn’t look right,”quite
Ryan
said.
contained in the
screams.
Between trips
n forced to retire
2001, groomed him to fight and paid him
knows what to make of it.
edly hanged himself 16 days later. (The
cabt
ent
to Aaron and his
concussion sympseveral million dollars over five seaIn Minnesota two Sundays ago, the
family has said it was an accident.)
gra
all
Boogaard distrac
sons to be the N.H.L.’s top enforcer. He
Wild honored Boogaard with a pregame
Each bit of news, packed with a walash
et”
and
rebuilding
he
a concussion-prepunched
his
way
to
local
adoration
and
tribute.
The
team
sold
Boogaard
jerlop, provided a backdrop for further decorner of the refuA
1997. In 2010, it
leaguewide fear and respect.
seys, T-shirts and autographed memobate about the role of fighting and the
a sort of shrine
t
to the head. In
gaa
incabinet holds m
ered its treatment
“
The
graphs and jersey
ms to examine all
wh
an in a “quiet”
ashes.
ns
Joaa
ow
As much as
ench.
gaard always fear
snd
shown little inL
“We weren’tpea
go
ce fighting. The
rewhere and just le
mixed: outlaw an
me
Joanne Boogaard
ng play, but allow
Ott
ore
Len Boogaard
op the game and
hou
peace. Several
ti
the
er out with baremer, he drovetwo
ba
e head.
man
Ottawa and and
Mi
ns,
wnprobably more
hours each way.
it’s a part of the
and
two bulldogs —
T
etained,” Bettman
gey
enand a girlfriend
ights were down
and a puppy Len
wh
the
gey. They staye
increase the penOct
ndwhere Derek died
d, referring to the
I
peOctober.
nt typically handend
to
It was that mon
Because
it is peended for thecon
re
eire
doesn’t seem to
conference call
appetite
or desire
tocoB
in
to Boogaard’s parT
n at this point in
The Boogaards
pris
ard
prising severity
former Harvard
And
esAnd they heard
a
rofessional wresmid
the
middle-age demen
co-director
of the
It was then I
ter, is the one who
who
stopped listening
ial call to a grievsto
evto him that he did
he brain. He does
tohh
oes
For months,
nd to hockey. He
F
He
thought of his son
e every possible
FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES
The Wild brought in Boogaard’s family when it honored him with a tributeMARCUS
beforeYAM
a game
was forced totho
im
ble
that athletes are
might have been
d and better inlast month.
A video showed
hiswhen
three N.H.L.
goals and
a single
punch.before a game
The Wild brought
in Boogaard’s
family
it honored
himnot
with
a tribute
wal
are
in-
last month. A video showed his three N.H.L. goals and not a single punch.
‘They are trading money for brain cells.’
‘They are trading money for brain cells.’
CHRIS NOWINSKI, a co-director for the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy at Boston University
CHRIS NOWINSKI, a co-director for the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy at Boston University
mig
Len was in the backyard. He grabbed the
phone.
“I knew this was going to happen,” he cried.
The Hennepin County medical examiner
ruled it an accidental overdose of alcohol and
oxycodone, the active ingredient in painkillers
like OxyContin and Percocet.
“The coroner said with that mixture, he
probably died as soon as he closed his eyes,”
Aaron said.
Researchers’ ‘Wow’ Moment
It did not take long for Dr. Ann McKee to see
the telltale brown spots near the outer surface
of Boogaard’s brain — the road signs of C.T.E.
She did not know much about Boogaard other
than that he was a 28-year-old hockey player.
And the damage was obvious.
“That surprised me,” she said.
A neuropathologist, McKee is one of four codirectors of Boston University’s Center for the
Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy and the director of the center’s brain bank. She has examined nearly 80 brains of former athletes, mainly
retired football players and boxers who spent
their careers absorbing blows to the head. The
center’s peer-reviewed findings of C.T.E. have
been widely accepted by experts in the field.
The National Football League, initially dismissive, has since donated money to help underwrite the research.
The group may now have its most sobering
case: a young, high-profile athlete, dead in midcareer, with a surprisingly advanced degree of
brain damage.
“To see this amount? That’s a ‘wow’ moment,” McKee said as she pointed to magnified
images of Boogaard’s brain tissue. “This is all
going bad.”
The degenerative disease was more advanced in Boogaard than it was in Bob Probert, a dominant enforcer of his generation, who
played 16 N.H.L. seasons, struggled with alcohol and drug addictions and died of heart failure
at age 45 in 2010.
In the past two years, C.T.E. was also diagnosed in the brains of two other former N.H.L.
players: Reggie Fleming, 73, and Rick Martin,
59.
The condition of Boogaard’s brain, however, suggests the possibility that other current
N.H.L. players have the disease, even if the
symptoms have not surfaced.
The N.H.L. is not convinced that there is a
link between hockey and C.T.E.
“There isn’t a lot of data, and the experts
who we talked to, who consult with us, think that
it’s way premature to be drawing any conclusions at this point,” N.H.L. Commissioner Gary
Bettman said. “Because we’re not sure that any,
based on the data we have available, is valid.”
The researchers at Boston University say
that C.T.E. is a nascent field of study, but that
there is little debate that the disease is caused
by repeated blows to the head. They said that
the N.H.L. was not taking the research seriously.
“We don’t know why one person gets it
more severely than another person, why one
person has a course that is more quick than another person,” said Dr. Robert A. Stern, a neuropsychologist and a co-director for the Center for
the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy. “But
what we are pretty sure of is, once the disease
starts, it continues to progress.”
Linking C.T.E. to Boogaard’s rapid descent
in his final years is complicated by his drug addiction.
“He had problems with abuse the last couple
years of his life, and that coincided with some of
the cognitive and behavioral and mood changes,” Stern said. “What’s the chicken? What’s the
egg?”
For years, the N.H.L. has tiptoed between
the allure of its fast-paced, hard-hitting action
and the need to protect star players. Its best
player, Sidney Crosby, returned to the Pittsburgh Penguins last month after sitting out
since January following two hits to the head,
four days apart. Several star players in recent
years have been forced to retire early because
of postconcussion symptoms.
The N.H.L. formed a concussion-prevention
program in 1997. In 2010, it banned blindside
hits to the head. In March, the league altered its
treatment protocol, requiring teams to examine all suspected concussions in a “quiet” room,
away from the bench.
But the league has shown little interest in
ending on-ice fighting. The message is decidedly mixed: outlaw an elbow to the head during play, but allow two combatants to stop the
game and try to knock each other out with bareknuckle punches to the head.
Aaron Boogaard in the apartment he and Derek shared and in which Derek died. Aaron gave his brother a painkiller before he went out that night.
nd Derek shared and in which
died.inAaron
gave his brother
painkiller
before
hewhich
went
out
thatdied.
night.
AaronDerek
Boogaard
the apartment
he and aDerek
shared
andMARCUS
in
Derek
Aaron gave his brother
YAM FOR
THE NEW
YORK TIMES
hared and in which Derek died. Aaron gave his brother a painkiller before he went out that night.
formed.
The tribute showed Boogaard run
The condition of Boogaard’s brain,
In October, Nowinski attended a Bruning over opponents, smiling with fan
however, suggests the possibility that
P
U
N
C
H
E
D
O
U
T
Part
3
ins game in Boston. There was a fight,
and talking to children. It showed each
other current N.H.L. players have the
and he watched quietly as thousands of
of the three N.H.L. goals he scored.
disease, even if the symptoms have not
Over six months, The New York Times examined the life and death of the
The
tribute
showed Boogaard
formed.
The
condition
of
Boogaard’s
brain,
people stood and cheered while the
It did not show a single punch.
surfaced.
professional hockey player Derek Boogaard, who rose to fame as one of the
tended
a
Bruning
over
opponents,
with
players
fought.
The Wild would smiling
not answer question
The
N.H.L.
is
not
convinced
that
In
October,
Nowinski
attended
a
Bruowever,
suggests
the
possibility
that
sport’s most feared fighters before dying at age 28 on May 13.
The tribute
showed
run“They are trading money for brain
aboutBoogaard
the video. They
also refused t
is a link between hockey and
ethere
was
a
fight,
and
talking
to
children.
It
showed
e
This There
article, thewas
third ofaa three-part
Boogaard’s descent,
ins game in Boston.
fight, series, chronicles
ther
current N.H.L. playerscells,”
have
the
he said.
address
specific
questions
about Boo
C.T.E.
uning
over
opponents,
smiling
with
fans
gaard’s
medical
care, he
concussions,
ad
thousands
of
of
the
three
N.H.L.
goals
scored.
“There
isn’t
a
lot
of
data,
and
the
exon
and
off
the
ice,
and
the
posthumous
determination
by
researchers
that
he
had
a
and
he
watched
quietly
as
thousands
of
isease, even if the symptoms
have
not
Over six
months,
The
York Times
examined the life and death of the
ht,
andsix
talking
It
showed
each
A Father
Hunts
for New
Answers
diction
and
rehabilitation,
or the avail
perts who we talked to, who consult
Over
months,
The
New
York
examined
th
degenerative brain condition believed to be caused by repeated
blows
to the to
head.
ed
while the
Itchildren.
did not
show
aTimes
single
punch.
people
stood
andwho
cheered
while
the
ability
of scored.
drugs
through
team doctors
urfaced.
with
us, think that it’s wayprofessional
premature to
Len Boogaard,
a cop
and father,
tries
of
of
the
three
N.H.L.
goals
he
hockey
player
Derek
Boogaard,
rose
to
fame
as
one
of
the
professional
hockey
player
Derek
Boogaard,
who
rose
to
Requests
to not
speakanswer
with
General
Man
be drawing anyOver
conclusions
at this The
The
Wild
would
quest
On
the
Web
six
months,
New
York
Times
examined
the
life
and
death
of
the
to
make
sense
of
it
all.
On
leave
from
his
players fought.
The N.H.L. is sport’s
not
convinced
that
he
It did
notabout
show
athe
single
punch.
ager Chuck
Fletcher and the medical di
point,” N.H.L. Commissioner
Gary Bettmostdesk
feared
dying
at
age
28
onarticle:
Mayof13.
job infighters
Ottawa —before
a back injury
In to
addition
tomoney
this
ney
for
brain
video.
They
also
refuse
sport’s most
feared
fighters
before
dying
at age
28
on re
M
professional
hockey
Boogaard,
who
rose
fame
as
one
are
trading
for the
brain
rector,
Dr.
Sheldon
Burns,
were
man said.
“Because
we’rebetween
not
sure thatplayer
here
is
a link
hockey
yearsDerek
ago and
forced
him off“They
the streets
—
The Wildaddress
would not
answer
questions
the
third
of
a
three-part
series,
chronicles
Boogaard’s
descent,
fused.
any, based on the data we have This
avail- article,
specific
questions
about
B
∂ VIDEO
Battling
injuries and abusing prescription drugs,
he patches
together
theatremains
of on
This
article,
the
third
of
a
three-part
series,
chronicl
cells,”
he
said.
.T.E.
sport’s
most
feared
fighters
before
dying
age
28
May
13.
in is valid.”
about
the video.
They
also
to Boogaard
For
those refused
who knew Derek
able,
Derek’s world.
Boogaard is a shell
ofresearchers
the player who won
fans’he
adoration
in
gaard’s
medical
care,
concussions,
on
and
off
the
ice,
and
the
posthumous
determination
by
that
had
a
there
are
questions
that
may
never
b
The researchers
at
Boston
University
“There
isn’t
a
lot
of
data,
and
the
exon
and
off
the
ice,
and
the
posthumous
determination
by
Like
a
detective,
he
dials
contacts
in
This article,field
theof third of a three-part series, chronicles
Boogaard’s
descent,
Minnesota.
His final chapter
is written by a neuropathologist
address specific
questions
about Booresolved
and regret that may
never av
b
say that C.T.E. is a nascent
diction
and
rehabilitation,
or the
Derek’s
phone
to ask who
knows what.
degenerative
brain
condition
believed
to beby
caused
by repeated
the head.
erts but
who
weoff
who
consult
who
sliced open
his brain
in her
laboratory.
brain
condition
believed
to be caused
by rep
relieved.
gaard’s
medical
care,
concussions,
adstudy,
thatand
there
istalked
little
debate
that
on
the
ice,to,
and
the
posthumous
determination
researchers
that
heblows
had ato degenerative
He explores
hundreds
of pages of
ability
of
drugs
through
team
doct
In
July,
Aaron
Boogaard
was
charged
d
father,
tries
the
disease
is
caused
by
repeated
blows
with us,degenerative
think that it’s waycondition
premature
to to reconstruct
phone records
Derek’s
∂ EXTENDED
INTERVIEWS
Bettman, commissioner
of
Len
Boogaard,
a cop and
father,
diction
andRequests
rehabilitation,
or the
availbelieved
to be
blows
to Gary
thetries
head.
with
a felony with
for distributing
a con
to the head. They said that brain
the N.H.L.
to speak
General
M
relationships,
moods,
hiscaused
sleep pat- by repeated
the N.H.L., discusses Boogaard’s death, the role of fighting
eave
from
his
e drawing
any conclusions
atHenytimes.com/boogaard
thishis paper
to
make
sense
of
it
all.
On
leave
from
his
trolled
substance
—
in this case, one pil
was
not
taking
the
research
seriously.
ability
of
drugs
through
team
doctors.
terns.
follows
trails,
trying
to
esback
in
hockey,
the
use
of
prescription
drugs
among
players
and
ager
Chuck
Fletcher
and
the
medica
to his brother the night of his death. Th
“We don’t
know why
one person gets Gary
injury
oint,”
N.H.L.
Commissioner
linkthis
the Betthistory
of his
son’s job
prescripdesk
in Ottawa
— substance-abuse
a back injury
In addition
to
article:
Requests
speak Dr.
with
General
Mannytimes.com/boogaard
the league’s
program; andInJeremy
Clark,
his
addition
to this to
article:
charge
was dropped
in October.were
He als
it more severely than another person,
to vague diagnoses in team medrector,
Sheldon
Burns,
the
streets
—
man
said.
“Because
we’re
nottions
sure
that
Boogaard’s
close
friend
and
trainer,
talks
about
Boogaard’s
years
ago
forced
him
off
the
streets
—
told the
police
that he
flushed pill
why
one
person
has
a
course
that
is
ager
Chuck
Fletcher
and
the
medical
diical reports.
ry
fused.
In than
addition
this said
article:
the toilet after placing the 911 cal
more
quick
another
life off the ice.
∂person,”
VIDEO
injuries
andfuneral
abusing
prescription
drugs,
remains
of
Sinceavailthe
day of the
in May,
ny,
based
on
theto
data
weBattling
have
∂ VIDEO
Battling
and down
abusing
prescription
drugs
patches
together
the
remains of
rector,
Dr.injuries
Sheldon
Burns,
were
re- Booga
— Robert A. Stern, a neuropsycholo- Len Boogaard said, he
He
pleadedknew
guilty
toDerek
tampering
with th
Dr.
he has not heard
For those
who
∂
MOTION
GRAPHIC
A
look
inside
Boogaard’s
brain
and
the
ble,
is
valid.”
Boogaard
is
a
shell
of
the
player
who
won
fans’
adoration
in
scene ofwho
a death
and received
probation
gist and a∂co-director
for
the Center
for
Derek’s
world.
fused.is a shell
from
the Rangers.
Boogaard
of
the
player
won
fans’
adorat
VIDEO
Battling
injuries
and
abusing
prescription
drugs,
of
there
are
questions
that
may
neve
disease
that
might
have
contributed
to
his
decline.
and
80
hours
of
community
service.
the
Study
of
Traumatic
Encephalopathy.
lsThe
contacts
in
The
team
refused
toLike
answer
de- by a neuropathologist
researchers
at Boston University
aatheir
detective,
he
contacts in
Hislist
final
chapter
is fans’
written
For those
who
knew
Derek
Boogaard,
Minnesota.
His final
chapter
is
a neuropatho
He written
is trying
toby
revive
his ownneve
hockey
“But what we
are pretty sure
of is, once oftailed
Boogaard
isMinnesota.
the
player
who won
adoration
in dials
of questions
regarding
resolved
and
regret
that
may
∂ DOCUMENTS
The police report from Boogaard’s death at
knows
ay
that what.
C.T.E.
aa shell
nascent
field
ofbrain
career,may
and with
his name
the
disease
starts, it is
continues
to
Derek’s
phone
to
ask
who
knows
what.
there open
are questions
that
never
behas come th
medical
treatment
of
Boogaard
during
who
sliced
open
his
in
her
laboratory.
in
his
apartment,
and
his
brother’s
statement
to
the
police.
who
sliced
his
brain
in
her
laboratory.
relieved.
final debate
chapter
isand
written
arehabilitaneuropathologist
expectation to fight. Last season, in 5
progress.”
of pages
of thereHis
the season
his time
tudy,
butMinnesota.
that
is little
that
Hebyinexplores
hundreds of pages of
resolved and In
regret
never
be
gamesmay
with
the
Laredo (Tex.)
Bucks
o
Linking C.T.E. to Boogaard’s rapid
at.
tion.
∂ PHOTOGRAPHS The Boogaard family.
July, that
Aaron
Boogaard
was
char
who
open
his brain
in
her
laboratory.
ruct
Derek’s
he
disease
is sliced
caused
by repeated
blows
EXTENDED
INTERVIEWS
Gary
Bettman,
commissioner
of
the Central
Hockey League,
Aaron Boo
descent
in
his
final
years
is∂complicated
phone
records
to
reconstruct
Derek’s
It also refused requests to speak to
relieved.
∂ EXTENDED
INTERVIEWS
Gary
Bettman,
commission
of
with a felony
fortwodistributing
a
gaard had
goals and 172 penalty
by the
hissleep
drug
addiction.
General
Manager Boogaard’s
Glen
Sather and death,
the histhe
patohis
head.
They
said
that
the
N.H.L.
the
discusses
role ofhis
fighting
relationships,
moods,
sleep patIn July,
Aaron
Boogaard
charged
minutes. was
He
fought
20the
times.
the N.H.L.,
discusses
Boogaard’s
death,
role of
fi
“He had
problems
with abuse
theN.H.L.,
last
k’s
team physician,
Dr. Andrew commissioner
Feldman,
∂taking
EXTENDED
INTERVIEWS
Gary Bettman,
of
trolled
substance
—
in
this
case,
one
ails,
trying
to
was
not
the
research
seriously.
Now 25, he plays
for
the C.H.L.’s Ri
couple years of his life, and that
coincidrabilia thatwith
it had stored
from twofor
sea- distributing
toll
on
enforcers.
So did trying
the
start ofto
the
terns.
He drugs
follows
paper
trails,
among
others,
Boogaard.
Ina felony
aamong
conin
hockey,
the use
of about
prescription
among
players
and
atin
hockey,
the
use
of
prescription
drugs
playe
to
his
brother
the
night
of
his
death.
the
N.H.L.,
discusses
Boogaard’s
death,
the
role
of
fighting
Grande
Valley
Killer
Bees
in
Hidalgo
ed
with
some
of
the
cognitive
and
besons ago. Fans crowded the team store.
N.H.L. season in October, as teams bestead, it e-mailed
on’s
“Weprescripdon’t know why
one
person
gets a four-sentence
link thein statehistory
of
prescriptrolled
—was
inTex.
this
case,No.
one
pillJeremy
He wears
82, marking
the yea
havioral
and mood changes,” the
Stern league’s
said.
substance-abuse
and
Jeremy
Clark,
Some
proceeds
went substance
to
Boogaard’s
gan
the his
ritual son’s
of glossy
video tributes
to team
from Sather that read, program;
part,
chargefadropped
in
October.
HeC
the
league’s
substance-abuse
program;
and
in
hockey,
the
use
of ment
prescription
drugs
among
players
and
in
medmoretheseverely
than
another
Derek
was born.
AaronThe
fought six time
“What’s
chicken?
What’s
the egg?”
vorite charity.
and
moments
of in
silence.
The medeccentric
“We person,
worked very closely
withto
Derek
on
tions
vague
diagnoses
team
to his brother
the
night
of
his
death.
p-For years, the N.H.L. has tiptoed
Boogaard’s
close
friend
and
trainer,
talks
about
Boogaard’s
in trainer,
a recent that
10-game
stretch.
At Boog
the Wild
told
the
police
he
flushed
beBoogaard’s
parents
and
siblings
former
coach
and
current
television
and
off
the
ice
to
provide
him
with
the
Boogaard’s
close
friend
and
talks
about
why
one
person
has
a
course
that
is
the ofleague’s
substance-abuse program;
and Jeremy
Clark,
ical reports.
charge
was
dropped
October.
also
tribute,
he had aHe
bruise
under one ey
tween
its fast-paced, hardwere escorted
onto the
ice
and precommentator Don Cherry chastised
d- theinallure
best possible care.”
down
the in
toilet
after
placing
the 911
life
offfriend
thevery
ice.
neral
May,
more
than
another
person,”
lifewith
off
the the
ice.
and
saidflushed
he had knocked
out an oppo
hitting quick
action
and
the need
to protect
sented
flowers,
a painting
of Derek
former
enforcers
who in
second-guess
Boogaard’s
death talks
took
on
added
Boogaard’s
close
andsaid
trainer,
about
Since
the Boogaard’s
day
of the
funeral
May,
told
police
that
he
pills
nent
with
one
punch
the
night
before.
star
players.
Its
best
player,
Sidney
He
pleaded
guilty
to
tampering
with
and
a
framed
game-worn
jersey
of
his.
their
past
roles
as
“pukes,”
“turncoats”
weight
when,
in
August,
two
other
as
not heard
Dr.
Robert
Stern,
a PenneuropsycholoLen
Boogaard
said,
he has
not
heard
down
thedarkened.
toilet
after
thehas
911asked
call.
life A.
off
His mother
him to qui
Crosby, returned
to thethe
Pittsburgh
∂ice.
MOTION
GRAPHIC
A were
look
inside
brain
and
the
The
arena
was
A aplacing
and
“hypocrites,”
and the
debate
flared.
N.H.L. enforcers
found
dead.Boogaard’s
Rick
ay,
∂
MOTION
GRAPHIC
A
look
inside
Boogaard’s
brain
and
scene
of
death
and
received
proba
hockey. But he has
no Plan
B, either.
ist and
a co-director
for
the Rypien,
Center27, for
guins
last month
after sitting out
since
4-minute-45-second
tribute was
shown
Arguments enveloped Canada, in
reportedly
committed
suifrom
the Rangers.
He pleaded
guilty
tampering
with
the
rd
might
have
contributed
toand
his decline.
“I of
mean,
honestly,
what
else am I go
January following
two hits todisease
the head, that
and
80 to
hours
community
service.
on the
video boards.
particular,
where culture and tradition
cide
after
years
of depression.
Wade
disease
that
might
have
contributed
to
his
decline.
answer
a
de∂
MOTION
GRAPHIC
A
look
inside
Boogaard’s
brain
the
he
Study
of
Traumatic
Encephalopathy.
The team
to with
answer
descene
of a death
received
probation
ing to do?” Aaron
said.
four days apart. Several star players in
The Wild
had drafted
Boogaardand
have collided
tragedy.a No
one
Belak, 35 and recently retired,
report- refused
Hehim
isin trying
to revive
his owntohoc
garding
their
Between
trips to Minneapolis
tend
recentwhat
yearsdisease
have
forced
to retire
But
webeen
arethat
pretty
sure
of is,
once
2001, groomed
him
to hours
fight and of
paidcommunity
quite knows what
to makeat
of it.their
edly
hanged
himself
16 to
days
later.
(The
might
have
contributed
his
decline.
tailed
list
of
questions
regarding
∂
DOCUMENTS
The
police
report
from
Boogaard’s
death
and
80
service.
e∂
DOCUMENTS
The
police
report
from
Boogaard’s
dea
to with
Aaron his
and his
legal issues,
Joann
early
because
of
postconcussion
sympcareer,
and
name
has come
several
million
dollars
over
five
seaIn
Minnesota
two
Sundays
ago,
the
family
has
said
it
was
an
accident.)
gaard
during
he
disease
starts,
it
continues
to
medical
treatment
of
Boogaard
during
Boogaard
distracted
herself
by
gutting
He
is
trying
to
revive
his
own
hockey
toms.
sonshis
to be
the N.H.L.’s topand
enforcer.
Wild honored
with a pregame
hisThe
apartment,
and
his
brother’s
to theBoogaard
police.
Each bit
of news,
packed with astatement
waleir
apartment,
hisHebrother’s
statement
to
poliA
expectation
fight.
Last
season,
∂ DOCUMENTS
police
report
from
death
in
rehabilitaandto
rebuilding
her
kitchen
inthe
Regina.
The
N.H.L.
formed a concussion-prerogress.”
punched his
way to local
adoration
tribute.
The
teaminsold
Boogaard jerlop, provided
a backdrop
forseason
further de-and
theBoogaard’s
hisat
time
rehabilitacareer,
and
with and
his
name
has
come
the
ng
corner
of Laredo
the refurbished
familyBuck
room i
vention program in 1997. In 2010, it
leaguewide
fear
and
respect.
seys,
T-shirts
and
autographed
memogames
with
the
(Tex.)
bate
about
the
role
of
fighting
and
the
hisC.T.E.
apartment,
and
his brother’s
to the police.
Linking
to
Boogaard’s
rapid
The statement
Boogaard
tion. family.
a sort of
shrine to Derek.
banned
blindside
hits to ∂
thePHOTOGRAPHS
head.
In
expectationthe
to Central
fight.
Last
season,
in 53A thigh-highB
∂ PHOTOGRAPHS
The
Boogaard
family.
a-to speak
Hockey
cabinet
holds League,
mementos, Aaron
like photo
thein
league
treatment
sMarch,
toaltered
escent
his
finalitsyears
is complicated
It also refused requests to speak to
“If you polled our fans, probably more would A Father Hunts for Answers
P Uthink
NCH
EaDpart
O UofTthePart
Len Boogaard,
a Ecop
and
to
say they
it’s
game3 and should
PUNCH
D O
U Tfather,
Parttries
3
make sense of it all. On leave from his desk job
said.
P Ube
N retained,”
C H E D OBettman
U T Part
3 He noted that fights
in Ottawa — a back injury years ago forced him
were down slightly this season.
off the streets — he patches together the re“The issue is, do we increase the penalty?”
mains of Derek’s world.
Bettman added, referring to the five-minute
Like a detective, he dials contacts in Derek’s
punishment typically handed to both fighters.
nswers
A
Father
Hunts
for
Answers
phone to ask who knows what. He explores hun“Because it is penalized now. And there doesn’t
dreds of pages
of phone
seem On
to be
an
overwhelming
appetite
or
desire
the Web
On the
Web records to reconstruct
Derek’s relationships, his moods, his sleep patgoWeb
in that direction at this point in time.”
On to
the
Chris Nowinski, a former Harvard football terns. He follows paper trails, trying to link the
player and professional wrestler who is another history of his son’s prescriptions to vague diagco-director of the Boston University center, is the noses in team medical reports.
Since the day of the funeral in May, Len
one who usually makes the initial call to a grievBoogaard said, he has not heard from the Ranging family to request the brain. He does not want
ers.
to put an end to hockey. He wants leagues to take
The team refused to answer a detailed list
every possible precaution to ensure that athletes
of questions regarding their medical treatment
are both better protected and better informed.
of Boogaard during the season and his time in
In October, Nowinski attended a Bruins game in Boston. There was a fight, and he rehabilitation.
It also refused requests to speak to Genwatched quietly as thousands of people stood
eral Manager Glen Sather and the team physiand cheered while the players fought.
“They are trading money for brain cells,” he cian, Dr. Andrew Feldman, among others, about
Boogaard. Instead, it e-mailed a four-sentence
said.
statement from Sather that read, in part, “We
team sold Boogaard jerseys, T-shirts and autoworked very closely with Derek on and off the graphed memorabilia that it had stored from
ice to provide him with the very best possible
two seasons ago. Fans crowded the team store.
care.”
Some proceeds went to Boogaard’s favorite
Boogaard’s death took on added weight
charity.
when, in August, two other N.H.L. enforcers
Boogaard’s parents and siblings were eswere found dead. Rick Rypien, 27, reportedly
corted onto the ice and presented with flowers,
committed suicide after years of depression.
a painting of Derek and a framed game-worn
Wade Belak, 35 and recently retired, reportedly jersey of his. The arena was darkened. A 4-minhanged himself 16 days later. (The family has
ute-45-second tribute was shown on the video
said it was an accident.)
boards.
Each bit of news, packed with a wallop,
The Wild had drafted Boogaard in 2001,
provided a backdrop for further debate about groomed him to fight and paid him several milthe role of fighting and the toll on enforcers. So lion dollars over five seasons to be the N.H.L.’s
did the start of the N.H.L. season in October, as top enforcer. He punched his way to local adorateams began the ritual of glossy video tributes tion and leaguewide fear and respect.
and moments of silence. The eccentric former
The tribute showed Boogaard running over
coach and current television commentator Don opponents, smiling with fans and talking to chilCherry chastised former enforcers who second- dren. It showed each of the three N.H.L. goals
guess their past roles as “pukes,” “turncoats” he scored.
and “hypocrites,” and the debate flared.
Arguments enveloped Canada, in particuThe Wild would not answer questions about
lar, where culture and tradition have collided the video. They also refused to address specific
with tragedy. No one quite knows what to make
questions about Boogaard’s medical care, conof it.
cussions, addiction and rehabilitation, or the
In Minnesota two Sundays ago, the Wild availability of drugs through team doctors. Ren the apartment he and Derek shared and in which Derek died. Aaron gave his brother a painkiller before he went out that night.
honored Boogaard with a pregame tribute. The quests to speak with General Manager Chuck
med.
n October, Nowinski attended a Brugame in Boston. There was a fight,
he watched quietly as thousands of
ple stood and cheered while the
yers fought.
They are trading money for brain
s,” he said.
Father Hunts for Answers
en Boogaard, a cop and father, tries
make sense of it all. On leave from his
k job in Ottawa — a back injury
rs ago forced him off the streets —
patches together the remains of
ek’s world.
ike a detective, he dials contacts in
ek’s phone to ask who knows what.
explores hundreds of pages of
ne records to reconstruct Derek’s
ationships, his moods, his sleep patns. He follows paper trails, trying to
the history of his son’s prescrips to vague diagnoses in team medreports.
ince the day of the funeral in May,
n Boogaard said, he has not heard
m the Rangers.
he team refused to answer a deed list of questions regarding their
dical treatment of Boogaard during
season and his time in rehabilita.
t also refused requests to speak to
neral Manager Glen Sather and the
m physician, Dr. Andrew Feldman,
ong others, about Boogaard. Inad, it e-mailed a four-sentence state-
P U N C H E D O U T Part 3
Over six months, The New York Times examined the life and death of the
professional hockey player Derek Boogaard, who rose to fame as one of the
sport’s most feared fighters before dying at age 28 on May 13.
This article, the third of a three-part series, chronicles Boogaard’s descent,
on and off the ice, and the posthumous determination by researchers that he had a
degenerative brain condition believed to be caused by repeated blows to the head.
∂ VIDEO Battling injuries and abusing prescription drugs,
Boogaard is a shell of the player who won fans’ adoration in
Minnesota. His final chapter is written by a neuropathologist
who sliced open his brain in her laboratory.
∂ EXTENDED INTERVIEWS Gary Bettman, commissioner of
the N.H.L., discusses Boogaard’s death, the role of fighting
in hockey, the use of prescription drugs among players and
the league’s substance-abuse program; and Jeremy Clark,
Boogaard’s close friend and trainer, talks about Boogaard’s
life off the ice.
∂ MOTION GRAPHIC A look inside Boogaard’s brain and the
disease that might have contributed to his decline.
∂ DOCUMENTS The police report from Boogaard’s death at
his apartment, and his brother’s statement to the police.
∂ PHOTOGRAPHS The Boogaard family.
toll on enforcers. So did the start of the
N.H.L. season in October, as teams be-
rabilia that it had stored from two seasons ago. Fans crowded the team store.
The tribute showed Boogaard
ning over opponents, smiling with
and talking to children. It showed
of the three N.H.L. goals he scored
The Wild would not answer que
about the video. They also refus
address specific questions about
gaard’s medical care, concussion
diction and rehabilitation, or the
ability of drugs through team do
Requests to speak with General
ager Chuck Fletcher and the medi
rector, Dr. Sheldon Burns, wer
fused.
For those who knew Derek Boog
there are questions that may nev
resolved and regret that may nev
relieved.
In July, Aaron Boogaard was ch
with a felony for distributing a
trolled substance — in this case, o
to his brother the night of his deat
charge was dropped in October. H
told the police that he flushed
down the toilet after placing the 91
He pleaded guilty to tampering wi
scene of a death and received prob
and 80 hours of community service
He is trying to revive his own h
career, and with his name has com
expectation to fight. Last season
games with the Laredo (Tex.) Bu
the Central Hockey League, Aaron
gaard had two goals and 172 pe
minutes. He fought 20 times.
Now 25, he plays for the C.H.L
Grande Valley Killer Bees in Hi
Fletcher and the medical director, Dr. Sheldon
Burns, were refused.
For those who knew Derek Boogaard, there
are questions that may never be resolved and
regret that may never be relieved.
In July, Aaron Boogaard was charged with
a felony for distributing a controlled substance
— in this case, one pill to his brother the night of
his death. The charge was dropped in October.
He also told the police that he flushed pills down
the toilet after placing the 911 call. He pleaded
guilty to tampering with the scene of a death
and received probation and 80 hours of community service.
He is trying to revive his own hockey career,
and with his name has come the expectation to
fight. Last season, in 53 games with the Laredo (Tex.) Bucks of the Central Hockey League,
Aaron Boogaard had two goals and 172 penalty
minutes. He fought 20 times.
Now 25, he plays for the C.H.L.’s Rio Grande
Valley Killer Bees in Hidalgo, Tex. He wears No.
82, marking the year Derek was born. Aaron
fought six times in a recent 10-game stretch. At
the Wild tribute, he had a bruise under one eye
and said he had knocked out an opponent with
one punch the night before.
His mother has asked him to quit hockey.
But he has no Plan B, either.
“I mean, honestly, what else am I going to
do?” Aaron said.
Between trips to Minneapolis to tend to
Aaron and his legal issues, Joanne Boogaard
distracted herself by gutting and rebuilding her
kitchen in Regina. A corner of the refurbished
family room is a sort of shrine to Derek. A thighhigh cabinet holds mementos, like photographs
and jerseys. Two boxes hold his ashes.
As much as anything, Derek Boogaard always feared being alone.
“We weren’t going to bury him somewhere
and just leave him by himself,” Joanne Boogaard
said.
Len Boogaard tries to make his own peace.
Several times during the summer, he drove
back and forth between Ottawa and Minneapolis, about 20 hours each way. For company, he
took two bulldogs — Trinity, one that Derek and
a girlfriend bought in Louisiana, and a puppy
Len Boogaard named Boogey. They stayed in
the apartment where Derek died. The lease expired in October.
It was that month that the wait finally ended for the results from Boston. A conference call
connected the scientists to Boogaard’s parents
and siblings.
The Boogaards learned of the surprising
severity of the brain damage. And they heard
about the prospects of middle-age dementia.
It was then that Len Boogaard stopped listening. Something occurred to him that he did
not expect.
For months, he could not bear the thought
of his son’s death. Suddenly, he was forced to
imagine the life his son might have been left to
n
live.

A Boy Learns To Brawl

Transcription

Similar documents

Learn to Play

Sparties - The Summit Sports and Ice

Squirt Registration

2016-17 Hockey! - Maumee City Schools

Waukesha County Wolves Girls Hockey Summer Ice Program – 2013

victory hockey - Skate Frederick

Ad here - Arena Watch

spring 2015 - Chl hockey network

HOCKEY, SLED HOCKEY, FIGURE SKATING EVENTS ELLENTON

Two forces working with the weather…