NHL Enforcers: New York Times Three Part Feature On Derek Boogaard
With scientists from Boston University conducting lengthy studies on former Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard, the New York Times released a three part feature on him. This three part story on Boogaard showed how he began his hockey career, and how he soon became one of the most feared enforces in the NHL.
However, it also highlights the lifestyle of a hockey enforcer, and how it can eventually take a toll on your health and well-being. Boogaard, and other enforcers today are constantly faced with repeated head trauma, and chronic pain. Although, in Boogaard's case, it lead to an unhealthy addiction to pain killers which lead to his tragic death.
Derek's dad stated after his fight with Ottawa's Matt Carkner, which would be his last fight as a New York Ranger, "You could could tell that something wasn't quite there, but I couldn't put my finger on it."
Follow after the jump for more and the three videos.
Following that fight, Boogaard was diagnosed with a concussion, and he would not finish out the rest of the season. He was isolated in his New York apartment, where he was suffering from constant headaches and nausea. There began his addiction to pain killers once again. The Rangers gave him some time off to go to a rehab facility, but it didn't seem to phase Boogaard.
After some time in New York, Derek headed back to Minnesota to spend time with some close friends. Before leaving, he had a few drinks, and continued to have some after he reached Minnesota. Later that night, he took some pain killers than had a bad reaction with the alcohol in his system. Boogaard was found dead in his apartment the next morning, by both of his brothers.
If you would like to see the three videos of this feature, you can check out the links below.
Video #1: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/12/04/sports/hockey/boogaard-video.html#chapter/1
Video #2: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/12/04/sports/hockey/boogaard-video.html#chapter/2
Video #3: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/12/04/sports/hockey/boogaard-video.html#chapter/3
