Derek Boogaard

Derek Boogaard (born Derek Leendert Boogaard on June 23, 1982) was a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played for the Minnesota Wild and the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL).

A native of Saskatchewan (where he grew up in several different communities as the son of a Mountie), Derek was known primarily as a fighter and enforcer throughout his career, from junior hockey to the pros.

His fighting prowess earned him the nicknames of "Boogeyman" and "The Mountie" and made him a favorite with fans.

In 2007, Derek was voted as the second most intimidating player in the NHL, behind Georges Laraque, who attributed his retirement in part to a desire to avoid the serious injury Derek could inflict such as the cheekbone fracture Todd Fedoruk suffered that had to be repaired with metal plates.

Derek died at the age of 28 from an accidental drug and alcohol overdose while recovering from a concussion.

A posthumous examination of his brain found Derek had suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy more advanced than that seen in some former enforcers who had died in middle age.

That disclosure came shortly after the deaths of two other hockey enforcers, both of whom were also under 40 years old and had similar health issues.

The three deaths triggered a debate in the hockey community about the issues faced by enforcers and their place in the game.

Derek's parents have filed lawsuits against the NHL and its players' union over his death.