Profile of Hockey Enforcer Boogaard Stirs Up Old Debate in Canada

Enforcer.

Goon.

Tough Guy.

These are the words used to describe a hockey player whose job is to protect the star players and intimidate opponents.

Derek Boogaard was a hockey enforcer. And the subject of an in-depth series this week in the New York Times.

Boogaard died from a lethal mix of booze and oxycodone this past summer just shy of his 29th birthday.

The series, written by John Branch, about Boogaard’s case has set off the newest chapter in the ongoing conversation about fighting in the NHL and about a sport that rewards young players who can fight.

Anchor Marco Werman talks to Bruce Dowbiggin, a Canadian sports writer and commentator.

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