The family of Derek Boogaard issued the following statement today through the National Hockey League Player's Association: We would like to express our appreciation for the outpouring of love and support for our family during this difficult period as we grieve the loss of Derek, our son and brother. We are deeply saddened by this unimaginable loss, but we are grateful for the expression of support that has given us strength as we go through this tragic time. It is very comforting for our family to know that, while Derek's life was far too short, he had a great impact on many people who he came into contact with. We are proud that Derek was able to live his boyhood dream to play in the National Hockey League. We are even more proud of the fact that Derek was dedicated to making a difference in his adopted communities of Minnesota and New York City, through his countless hours of charitable work. Earlier today, we received the results of Derek's toxicology report at the time of his accidental death. After repeated courageous attempts at rehabilitation and with the full support of the New York Rangers, the NHLPA, and the NHL, Derek had been showing tremendous improvement but was ultimately unable to beat this opponent. While he played and lived with pain for many years, his passion for the game, his teammates, and his community work was unstoppable. Our family would like to like to thank the New York Rangers, the Minnesota Wild, the National Hockey League Player's Association, and the National Hockey League for supporting Derek's continued efforts in his battle. Derek will be greatly missed and will never be forgotten by his fans, friends, and teammates, and especially by us, his family. We respectfully ask for continued privacy as we grieve the loss of Derek.

A medical examiner in Minnesota ruled the death of Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard was an accident, due to mixing alcohol and oxycodone. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner released Boogaard's cause of death on Friday. The medical examiner said no other data will be released. The 28-year-old Boogaard was found dead in his Minneapolis apartment last Friday, five months after he sustained a season-ending concussion.

Thrashers president Don Waddell, amid reports his club was in negotiations on a sale that would result in its relocation to Winnipeg, declined to specifically address the team's status on Monday. "We continue to explore all our options regarding the future of the Thrashers," he told ESPN.com in an email. The Thrashers and the NHL have insisted recently they're focused on keeping the financially struggling team in Atlanta.

The Thrashers and the NHL insist they're still focused on keeping the financially troubled team in Atlanta, despite persistent reports that it's on the verge of moving to Winnipeg. The franchise's plight took on new urgency this week when officials in Glendale, Ariz., voted to subsidize the Coyotes for another year while that team tries to complete a deal with a new owner.

ESPN analyst Matthew Barnaby was released from jail on his own recognizance Saturday morning after his arrest the night before near Buffalo, N.Y., in connection with a "domestic incident" that involved two victims, according to police. Barnaby, 38, pleaded not guilty to five charges, including one felony, in an arraignment hearing at Amherst Town Court. He is charged with felony criminal mischief, criminal contempt, criminal trespass, harassment and aggravated harassment.

Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard was found dead Friday in his Minneapolis apartment. He was 28. The team announced Boogaard's death on Friday night, but gave no details. The Star Tribune newspaper in Minneapolis first reported Boogaard was found dead in his home by members of his family. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office in Minnesota confirmed those details and said an autopsy was pending. "Derek was an extremely kind and caring individual," Rangers president and GM Glen Sather said. "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 signed a four-year, $6.5M deal with Rangers in July and appeared in 22 games with them last season.

A Toronto broadcaster has been fired after he posted on Twitter about the debate surrounding Rangers forward Sean Avery's support of same-sex marriage. Damian Goddard was a host on Rogers Sportsnet. On Tuesday, he tweeted his support for hockey agent Todd Reynolds, who used Twitter to voice his opposition to Avery's position. Goddard wrote: "I completely and whole-heartedly support Todd Reynolds and his support for the traditional and TRUE meaning of marriage." The TV network then issued its own tweet, saying: "Today's tweet from Damian Goddard does not reflect the views of Rogers Sportsnet." On Wednesday, it severed ties with Goddard.

A suburban county placed under a state fiscal watchdog earlier this year will ask voters this summer to let it borrow $400M to replace the Islanders' aging arena, as well as construct a minor league baseball park nearby. If approved, the proposal to replace the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum will keep the NHL team on Long Island until 2045, Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano said at a raucous news conference Wednesday.

What good, if any, the one-year reprieve granted the Coyotes by the Glendale City Council will do remains to be seen. After hours of testimony and discussion, the council voted 5-2 late Tuesday night to give the NHL $25M for arena operating costs for next season. It's the second $25M Glendale will have forked over. The city did the same a year ago and the league collected that cash out of escrow last week.

The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan says it's in advanced talks to buy TD Capital Group's stake in the company that controls the Maple Leafs, according to an ESPN.com report on Tuesday. The pension fund says it has reached an understanding on the principal financial terms, but didn't reveal them. Ontario Teachers would own nearly 80 percent of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment if the deal goes through.