Ron Duguay, a flashy NHL forward who was known for his off-the-ice life as well as his skill on the ice, died Oct. 22 after a battle with colon cancer. He was 69.
Duguay spent 12 seasons in the NHL, including six with the Rangers, helping lead them to the 1979 Stanley Cup Final, where New York lost in five games to the Montreal Canadiens.
Duguay had 164 goals and 176 assists for 340 points in 499 games with the Rangers, where he was selected with the 13th pick in the 1977 NHL Draft.
“The New York Rangers organization mourns the loss of Ron Duguay, one of the most popular players in franchise history,” the Rangers said in a statement. “Ron’s signature skating style – with his hair flowing as he moved down the ice – captivated The Garden Faithful,
and his skill, tenacity, and charisma earned him the admiration of all New Yorkers. We join the hockey community in sending our condolences to Ron’s friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time."
The New York Rangers organization mourns the loss of Ron Duguay, one of the most popular players in franchise history. Ron's signature skating style - with his hair flowing as he moved down the ice - captivated The Garden Faithful, and his skill, tenacity, and charisma earned him… pic.twitter.com/q1FzskSdN5
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 22, 2026
Duguay also played for the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Los Angeles Kings, and later returned to the Rangers. He recorded 673 points in the NHL regular season and playoffs, retired from hockey in 2008-09 and was an in-studio analyst for MSG Network for 12 years.
Duguay was divorced twice and had two children. At the time of his death, he was dating former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican U.S. vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ron Duguay, popular ex-New York Rangers player, dies at 69
