Derek Boogaard Will Be Honored by Wild

Not a surprise, but I'll throw the information out there for all those interested. Sellouts and full houses have been hard to find in St. Paul this season, but I think it would be really nice if we could fill the XCel Energy Center for this.

The Minnesota Wild announced plans Tuesday to honor former player Derek Boogaard, who died in May.

The plans surround Minnesota's home game against Calgary, scheduled for Nov. 27 at 5 p.m.

Here is the announcement from the team.

On November 27, Minnesota Wild fans will get one more chance to say goodbye and to remember Derek Boogaard, the beloved tough guy who called Minnesota home for most of his professional career.

Boogaard, who tragically passed away in May, will be honored in a special pre-game ceremony prior to the Wild hosting the Calgary Flames at 5:00 that Sunday afternoon. Boogaard's parents Joanne and Len, siblings Aaron, Krysten, Ryan and Chris and grandparents Peter and Nancy are scheduled to be in attendance when the team shows a tribute video during the ceremony.

On the ice, Boogaard was one of the most feared enforcers in the game. Off the ice, he was one of the most charitable and friendliest players to wear a Wild sweater. One of his biggest passions was the support of 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 game of hockey. Military personnel wishing to to attend the game can purchase lower level tickets at a special price of $45.

While at the game, all fans in attendance will receive a Derek Boogaard poster featuring a re-production of a painting of "The Boogeyman" by sports artist Robert Blehert. They can also visit a Boogaard tribute in the main concourse near Gate 3 and adjacent to a similar tribute to former Wild player Sergei Zholtok.

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 November 27. Proceeds from the sale of these items will benefit Defending The Blue Line.

For more information on Defending The Blue Line, go to www.defendingtheblueline.org.