Former NHL Enforcer Derek Boogaard Found Dead

(NewsCore) - MINNEAPOLIS -- Former Minnesota Wild and New York Ranger Derek Boogaard was found dead in his apartment in Minneapolis on Friday night, KSTP-TV reported.

The 28-year-old's body was discovered at the building in the 400 block of 1st Street North, according to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.

The cause of death has not been determined.

In a statement, the Minnesota Wild said Boogaard "will be greatly missed here in Minnesota and throughout the NHL. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Boogaard family during this tragic time of loss."

Born in Saskatoon, Canada, the winger was originally Minnesota's seventh round choice, 202nd overall, in the 2001 Draft. He played for the Wild for five years and appeared in 255 games before leaving as a free agent to sign with New York in 2010.

He played 22 games for the Rangers in the 2010-11 season.

"Derek was an extremely kind and caring individual," said New York Rangers president Glen Sather. "He was a very thoughtful person, who will be dearly missed by all those who knew him. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time."

The 6-foot-7 (201cm), 265-pound (120kg) winger was considered one of the most intimidating players in the NHL, known by many fans as 'The Boogeyman.'

During his time at the Wild, he scored only two goals but amassed 544 penalty minutes.

Read more: KSTP-TV