When teams lose teammates, they honor them. As soon as the shock wore off after learning of the passing of Derek Boogaard in May, the question of how to properly honor him began. Wild fans, and HW readers, arranged a memorial at the X, which quickly became a big enough event that the Wild got involved, and it became a very fitting tribute in the immediate wake of the events.
The Rangers included the Boogaards in their draft, and participated in a contest to design a tribute shirt to the Boogeyman this summer. They also held their own memorial night, however brief it may have been. The Wild have donned memorial stickers on their helmets, had a tribute opening night, and Josh Harding has a tribute on the back of his goalie mask.
The big question remained unanswered until today. When would the Wild hold a memorial night for Boogaard, and how would that look exactly. Wild fans wanted it... they needed it. Well, the details are set, and it is an event you will not want to miss.
Make the jump for full details.
As you can see from the press release below, this is going to be an all out event. Free posters for fans in attendance, a donation to Defending the Blue Line (Derek was a huge supporter), they will be adding a memorial in the concourse near where the Sergei Zholtok memorial is, there will be Boogaard memorial merchandise available, and the coup de gras, a tribute video that is sure to bring a tear to even the coldest of hearts.
The Wild have been very deliberate in making this tribute the best it could be.This will be one final chance for the State of Hockey to come together to say goodbye and to pay tribute to one of the most popular players in team history. You'll want to be there.
The press release:
MINNESOTA WILD TO HOLD DEREK BOOGAARD TRIBUTE NIGHT ON NOVEMBER 27
SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The National Hockey League's (NHL) Minnesota Wild today announced the team will honor Derek Boogaard in a special pre-game, on-ice ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 27 when the team hosts the Calgary Flames at 5 p.m.
The family of Derek Boogaard including parents Joanne and Len, and siblings Aaron, Krysten and Ryan are scheduled to be in attendance. A Derek Boogaard tribute video will be shown during the pre-game ceremony. The Wild will also make a special donation to Defending The Blue Line, a non-profit charitable foundation whose mission is to ensure that children of military members are afforded every opportunity to participate in the great sport of hockey. Boogaard was a strong supporter of Defending The Blue Line, one of the many charitable endeavors he supported. In addition, a Boogaard tribute will be added to the Xcel Energy Center main concourse, near Gate 3, adjacent to a similar tribute to former Wild player Sergei Zholtok.
All fans attending the game will receive a Derek Boogaard poster featuring a re-production of a painting of Boogaard by sports artist Robert Blehert. The Wild is also offering a special $45 lower level ticket for military personnel to attend the Nov. 27 game. Military tickets can be purchased at the Xcel Energy Center Box Office or at wild.com. A limited number of military tickets are available for this game.
The team will also unveil a commemorative Boogaard tribute t-shirt and puck along with releasing a limited number of Boogaard autographed items and game worn jerseys on Nov. 27. Proceeds from the sale of these items will benefit Defending The Blue Line.
For more information on Defending The Blue Line visit www.defendingtheblueline.org.