( CNN ) -- The parents of a New York Rangers player found dead in his apartment have decided to donate his brain to Boston University researchers studying the effects of concussion in athletes , a medical examiner 's office said Sunday . New York Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard was found dead Friday in his Minneapolis apartment . An autopsy was conducted Saturday , according to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner 's office in Minnesota , which confirmed that Boogaard 's parents signed papers to donate Boogaard 's brain . The office has not released a cause of death , saying it was waiting for toxicology test results that might not be determined for several weeks . Dr. Robert Stern , co-director for Boston University 's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy , confirmed Sunday that the family has donated Boogard 's brain to the VA CSTE Brain Bank for study . The center has a donation registry for athletes to study effects of trauma on the brain and spinal cord . Boogaard , 28 , began his NHL career with the Minnesota Wild . The Saskatoon , Saskatchewan , native joined the Rangers last July and appeared in 22 games during the 2010-11 season . `` Derek was an extremely kind and caring individual , '' New York Rangers President Glen Sather said on the team 's website . `` 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 supported the Defending the Blue Line Foundation , a nonprofit that ensures the children of military personnel get the opportunity to play hockey . While with the Rangers , he created `` Boogaard 's Booguardians , '' which hosted military families at home games , according to the website . CNN 's Stephanie Smith contributed to this report .
The cause of the death of Derek Boogaard has not been determined . Hide Caption The 28-year-old hockey player joined the New York Rangers in July .