Derek Boogaard, who will be laid to rest today, died last Friday as a result of an accidental mixture of alcohol and oxycodone toxicity, the Hennepin County (Minn.) Medical Examiner ruled yesterday.
Oxycodone is a prescription narcotic pain medication that can be habit forming.
The Post reported last Saturday that Boogaard, who passed away at the age of 28, had been enrolled in the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program at the time of his death.
BOOGAARD FAMILY STATEMENT, DONATIONS
Boogaard, who had been on injured reserve after sustaining a concussion in a fight in Ottawa on Dec. 9 but who had begun skating on his own in mid-March and then joined his teammates in optional morning skates, left the Rangers with approximately a week to go in the regular season to receive treatment and get counseling.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune has reported that Boogaard, who played the first five seasons of his NHL career with the Wild before signing a free agent contract with the Blueshirts last summer, had been enrolled in the NHL/NHLPA program during the 2009 training camp and the first two weeks of the 2009-10 season.
Boogaard’s participation in the program was voluntary.
Approximately a dozen Rangers are expected to attend today’s services, which will be held in Boogaard’s hometown of Regina, Saskatchewan, traveling from New York on the team plane in the early morning.
General manager Glen Sather and his staff, who have been engaged in their annual off-season meetings this week at the GM’s home at La Quinta, Calif., will travel from there in the morning to attend the funeral.
John Tortorella will be unable to attend. The coach, who had knee replacement surgery two weeks ago, has not been cleared to fly. He participated in the hockey department meetings via a video internet connection.
Boogaard’s family released a statement yesterday through the NHLPA, which read:
“We would like to express our appreciation for the outpouring of love and support for our family during this difficult period as we grieve the loss of Derek — our son and brother. We are deeply saddened by this unimaginable loss, but we are grateful for the expression of support that has given us strength as we go through this tragic time.
“It is very comforting for our family to know that, while Derek’s life was far too short, he had a great impact on many people who he came into contact with. We are proud that Derek was able to live his boyhood dream to play in the National Hockey League. We are even more proud of the fact that Derek was dedicated to making a difference in his adopted communities of Minnesota and New York City, through his countless hours of charitable work.
“Earlier today, we received the results of Derek’s toxicology report at the time of his accidental death. After repeated courageous attempts at rehabilitation and with the full support of the New York Rangers, the NHLPA, and the NHL, Derek had been showing tremendous improvement but was ultimately unable to beat this opponent. While he played and lived with pain for many years, his passion for the game, his teammates, and his community work was unstoppable.
“Our family would like to like to thank the New York Rangers, the Minnesota Wild, the National Hockey League Players’ Association, and the National Hockey League for supporting Derek’s continued efforts in his battle.
“Derek will be greatly missed and will never be forgotten by his fans, friends, and teammates, and especially by us — his family. We respectfully ask for continued privacy as we grieve the loss of Derek.”