Derek Boogaard

Derek Boogaard

Canadian professional ice hockey left winger
Date of Birth: 23.06.1982
Country: Canada

Content:
  1. Derek Boogaard: Enforcer and NHL Star
  2. Early Life and Junior Career
  3. Professional Career
  4. Goal Drought
  5. Enforcer Role
  6. Training Camp Incident

Derek Boogaard: Enforcer and NHL Star

Derek Boogaard was a professional Canadian hockey player who played as a left winger for the New York Rangers in the NHL. He was known as an enforcer and had nicknames like "The Boogeyman" and "The Mountie."

Early Life and Junior Career

Boogaard played junior hockey for teams in the Western Hockey League (WHL). In the 2000-01 season, he recorded 9 points and 245 penalty minutes, leading to his selection by the Minnesota Wild in the seventh round (202nd overall) of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

Professional Career

Boogaard played in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) and American Hockey League (AHL) before making his NHL debut with the Wild in the 2005-06 season.

Goal Drought

Boogaard went on a goal drought that lasted 234 games. He finally scored against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks on January 7, 2006, and did not score again until November 9, 2010, against the Washington Capitals. This was the second-longest goal drought in NHL history, behind only Ken Daneyko.

Enforcer Role

Boogaard's knockout punch on Todd Fedoruk in a game against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks sparked a debate about banning fighting in the NHL. Fedoruk's jaw had to be reconstructed with titanium plates. Ironically, Boogaard and Fedoruk became teammates for the Wild in the 2007-08 season. In 2007, NHL players ranked Boogaard as the second-least-wanted player to fight against behind Georges Laraque.

Training Camp Incident

Boogaard was involved in an infamous incident during training camp before the 2001-02 season with the Wild. While attempting a body check during a scrimmage, he crashed through the glass and flew over the boards.

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