R.I.P. Derek Boogaard

CNN Press Release:

(CNN) -- An autopsy is scheduled Saturday for New York Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard, whose body was discovered a day earlier in his Minneapolis apartment, a medical examiner said.

Authorities and the team have released few details about his death.

"A cause and manner will be confirmed after the autopsy, which will be done tomorrow," a spokesman for the Hennepin County Medical Examiner said late Friday.

Boogaard, 28, began his NHL career with the Minnesota Wild.

He joined the New York Rangers in July last year, and appeared in 22 games during the 2010-11 season.

"Derek was an extremely kind and caring individual," New York Rangers President Glen Sather said on the team's website.

"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."

Boogaard supported the Defending the Blue Line Foundation, a nonprofit that ensures the children of military personnel get the opportunity to play hockey.

While with the Rangers, he created "Boogaard's Booguardians, which hosted military families at home games, according to the website.

Boogaard was a native of the Canadian city of Saskatoon in central Saskatchewan.

Just awful.....

Here are some tweets and quotes from various NHL players:

BizNasty2point0 (Paul Bissonnette)

Had to call my folks after hearing that awful news. Derek Boogard you were pure nails on the ice, and an even better person off. R.I.P

BrandonPrust8 (Brandon Prust)
At a loss for words. I'll miss my roomy Derek Boogaard.. You will be missed by everyone. Great friend and teammate

MichaelDelZotto (Michael Del Zotto)
Boogy, you will be missed! Condolensces to the Boogard family. The world lost an amazing friend and teammate!

Jeremy_Roenick (Jeremy Roenick)
I'm so sad to hear about Derek boogard!! He was tough as nails and even though I didn't know him I heard he was a great guy! U will b missed

b_ryan9 (Bobby Ryan)
Absolute tragedy, RIP Derek Boogaard.

GeorgesLaraque (Georges Laraque) 
my condolences to the Boogaard family,Derek past away this morning,it was the thoughest guy in the NHL my friend and biggest rival

EKaneATL9 (Evander Kane) 
Sad to hear the news about Derek Boogard. Thoughts with his family and friends. RIP.

JVReemer21 (James van Riemsdyk) 

Shocked to hear about the news on Boogard. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends

Matt9Duchene (Matt Duchene) 

Wow, shocking to see the news on Boogaard... So terrible. All the best to his family and loved ones in this difficult time.

@martybiron43 (

Martin Biron)

Extremely sadden by the lost of a great teammate, Derek Boogaard, we'll miss you. Praying for his family and friends today.

Jacques Lemaire 

"I really was shocked for many reasons," Lemaire told Newsday. "He was a good person, a strong, healthy man. You always wonder why things..

 .like this happen. On the ice he was a guy that had respect from everyone... Off the ice he was a totally different person. A very nice 

guy who other players always wanted to hang out with/ talk to. It's so sad then you hear a thing like this.This will be hard to deal with"

Brian Boyle 

"He was much much more than No. 94 The Boogey Man...he was a great person & friend. He

 was a man with a huge heart...he took a lot of pride in what he did...everything he did was for others"

R.I.P. BOOGIE MAN