Boogaard remembered fondly at Canada memorial service

REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN - Doug Risebrough underlined the contrasting sides of Derek Boogaard when the former NHL enforcer was fondly remembered at his funeral Saturday in Regina.

"On the ice, people were trying to get away from him," Risebrough told the congregation. "Off the ice, people were trying to be around him."

Risebrough is a hockey consultant with the New York Rangers, with whom Boogaard played during the 2010-11 NHL season. Boogaard's previous five NHL seasons were spent with the Wild, for which Risebrough was the general manager from 1999 to 2009.

With Risebrough in charge, the Wild selected Boogaard in the seventh round of the 2001 NHL entry draft. While addressing the gathering Saturday at the RCMP Depot chapel, Risebrough spoke of Boogaard's determined progression from the ECHL to the American Hockey League to the big leagues.

"Derek's career is about getting a chance and taking advantage of it," Risebrough said.

Boogaard was 28 when he died May 13 at his apartment in Minneapolis. The medical examiner's office determined that Boogaard died accidentally as the result of a lethal mix of alcohol and oxycodone, a powerful painkiller.

The 6-7, 265-pound Boogaard sustained repeated concussions as an NHL player, most recently on Dec. 9 when he was injured in a fight with Matt Carkner of the Ottawa Senators. Boogaard missed the rest of the Rangers' season, including the playoffs.

"I know I can speak for all the players he touched -- some with more force than others," Burns said, alluding to Boogaard's on-ice aggressiveness.

Former NHL star Brendan Shanahan, who is the league's vice president of hockey and business development, was also among 175 people who packed the small chapel. NHL Players' Association President Donald Fehr was also present.

Boogaard was one of the NHL's foremost tough guys during his six seasons in the league. He often honed his skills by boxing and doing strength training at the Minnesota Top Team gym, owned by Jeremy Clark.

"To know Derek was to know that he loved the simple things in life as much, if not more, than the fancy things," Clark said during his eulogy. "He was a giant with a giant heart, who leaves behind a giant hole."

Boogaard is survived by his parents, Len and Joanne, sister, Krysten, brothers Aaron and Ryan and half-brother Curtis. Ryan followed in his father's footsteps by joining the RCMP. Aaron emulated his late brother by becoming a hockey player whose priority is to defend his teammates.

Krysten Boogaard was the other family member who addressed the congregation.