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Hockey Star Found Dead in Apartment

Derek Boogard, former Minnesota Wild standout, found yesterday

By Luke Kelly-Clyne, Newser Staff

Posted May 14, 2011 11:38 AM CDT

(Newser) – New York Rangers hockey player Derek Boogard, 28, was found dead in his Minneapolis apartment last night. Boogard, formerly a Minnesota Wild player, fought on the ice 54 times and amassed 255 penalty minutes, but the enforcer known as the "Boogey Man" will be remembered just as much for his kindness off the ice, teammates tell the the Minneapolis Star Tribune. His cause of death is still unknown, pending autopsy results.

One of the most beloved players in Minnesota Wild history during his five seasons with the team, Boogard left after signing a four-year, $6.5 million contract with the New York Rangers last July. Boogard had a tumultuous first season in the Big Apple, suffering a serious concussion that limited him to 22 games. He was described by one former teammate as an "unreal guy. Great friend and an awesome teammate. Just a really big teddy bear. Outside the rink, he didn't want bad for anyone."

Jody Shelley #45 of the San Jose Sharks and Derek Boogaard #24 of the Minnesota Wild fight December 31, 2008 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Getty Images)

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Hockey Star Found Dead in Apartment

Derek Boogard, former Minnesota Wild standout, found yesterday

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