Rangers winger Derek Boogaard found dead

NEW YORK, May 13 (UPI) -- The New York Rangers announced Friday that winger and enforcer Derek Boogaard, who played 22 games with the team last season, has died. He was 28.

The (Minneapolis) Star Tribune reported members of Boogaard's family found him dead in his Minneapolis apartment. No cause of death had been determined.

"Derek was an extremely kind and caring individual," said New York Rangers President and General Manager 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."

Boogaard was chosen with the seventh pick of the 2001 draft by the Minnesota Wild and played with that team for five seasons beginning in 2005. In 255 games with the Wild he had 14 points and 544 penalty minutes.

He signed a four-year contract with the Rangers last July.