Derek Boogaard was known as a fearsome fighter on the ice, a giant man with giant fists who many people avoided thanks to his giant stature. Indeed, he often did what was intended by merely being there such was his intimidation factor. However, Derek was known to be a good man, a kind man and a good teammate. Former Wild team-mate Marian Gaborik was delighted when the Rangers recruited him. Derek was involved in funny commercials back in Minnesota, displaying his funnier side. In addition, he made multiple appearances with partner organizations of the Garden of Dreams Foundation, the non-profit charity that works closely with all areas of Madison Square Garden – again displaying another side, a kinder side to the big fighter.

Rangers General Manager Glen Sather had this to say upon the passing of Boogaard;

“Derek was an extremely kind and caring individual,” Rangers president and general manager Glen Sather said in a release.  “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.”

The Minnesota Wild, who were the main team in Boogaard’s NHL career said this;

“The Minnesota Wild organization sends our deepest sympathies to the family of Derek Boogaard. Derek was a fan favorite during his five seasons with the Wild and will be greatly missed here in Minnesota and throughout the NHL. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Boogaard family during this tragic time of loss.”

Derek Boogaard didn’t make a huge impact on the ice for the Rangers, given his short time with the club. However, Derek Boogaard often made significant impacts off the ice – felt and appreciated by many. Here at Blue seat blogs we wish to pass our sincerest condolences to Dereks’ family and friends and everyone involved with the big man. To end on a happier note, let’s reflect on Derek’s sole goal as a Ranger. Nice finish big man.

More to come, eventually.

Yankee fan or not, many respected Steinbrenner for his commitment to the Yankees, and his unflinching desire to throw hundreds of millions of dollars in payroll to help his team win, even if it meant operating in the red. Steinbrenner’s success and influence on the Yankees is second to none, even moreso than Babe Ruth, and the new Yankee Stadium is aptly nicknamed “The House That George Built.”

There will never be another person, or owner, like The Boss. Rest in peace.

However, today is the first match for Team USA in the World Cup, against those damn Brits. Since we here at BSB have a Brit contributing, I think it’s necessary to say this:

USA! USA! USA! England sucks!

For my one of my pools, I have Kansas, Syracuse, WVU, and Duke in the Final Four, with Kansas beating WVU. In the other, I have Kansas, Syracuse, WVU and Baylor, with Syracuse over WVU.

I’ll be watching games all day, but I will be at the Rangers game tonight. It’s my last game of the season, so if you want to stop by and say hi, I’ll be in the last row of section 415, wearing my Prucha jersey.

Use this thread to discuss the NCAA tournament. Jeremy will have the Rangers game thread with lineup changes up later today.

• Cabs in Orlando are expensive (upwards of $80). If going to Disney, stay on Disney grounds and take the bus.
• Interesting fact: Disney grounds are twice the size of Manhattan. Moral of this story: do not walk anywhere, take the bus.
• When going to Epcot to complete the drinks around the world, start in Mexico. Trust me. Starting with tequila is much easier than ending with tequila. Especially when there are 11 countries to drink in.
• You should be aware that for some unknown reason, shots in Orlando are actually double shots, and half shots are actually regular shots. We learned this one the hard way.
• Epcot puts on an epic fireworks show at night. It’s even more epic after completing the drinks around the world.
• Magic Kingdom is, has been, and always will be, an excuse to be six years old.
• Disney’s Philharmagic 3D show. If you grew up watching Disney movies between 1985-1998, then this will be the best attraction you see.
• Disney must make a killing on poncho’s when it rains. It’s like the umbrella guy in the city.
• If you plan on going somewhere for more than a few days, I highly recommend going on a cruise. All the food you eat on a cruise is free, you don’t have to worry about transportation, and everything you could every want on a vacation is at your fingertips. It actually winds up being cheaper than staying at a hotel and going out every night.
• Surf and turf dinners. Enough said.
• The sun in the Caribbean is strong. Very strong.
• You WILL gain weight on a cruise. I went to the gym every day, and I still came back 5 lbs heavier. It happens. Just enjoy the week of no responsibilities.
• Be polite to the guys serving your food. You will get extra plates of food if you do. Why do you think I gained weight?
• Last, but certainly not least, cigars after dinner before drinking is a must. Breaks up dinner very nicely so you don’t drink on a full stomach. Cannot stress this one enough.

I have exactly zero internet connection here (I am posting from my phone). So, I will be MIA for a while. Jeremy will still be updating on any major news, and putting up game threads. So have no fear, this blog will be updated.

If anyone has any ideas what to do for fun in this state, please let me know. Like, now.

The downside to this LA trip is that I will actually be working a lot, and it’s in a secure facility, I don’t think we will be granted an internet connection. So for the next two weeks, my posts will be few and far between. If any big news happens, expect Mike or Stas to update here.

When I return, we are that much closer to hockey season.

RIP.