(TNND) — Ron Duguay, a former New York Rangers forward known for his flowing hair, skating style, and charisma, has died after a battle with cancer. He was 69.
Duguay died Thursday, Oct. 22, his family said. The Rangers said Duguay’s family informed the team of his death.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 20: (L-R) Ron Duguay, Kelly Bensimon, Sheri Jefferson and Thadeus Ann Bensimon attend Food Bank For New York City’s ‘Done In A Day For MLK’ Presented By Barilla on January 20, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images for Food Bank For New York City )
Duguay died after a battle with stage 4 cancer that began in his colon and later spread to his appendix and gallbladder. His daughter, Shay Thomas, announced his death on Instagram. Duguay was diagnosed with cancer in 2024, and his family said earlier this year that it had progressed to stage 4.
The Rangers selected Duguay 13th overall in the 1977 NHL draft. He played for the team for eight seasons across two stints, including a run to the 1979 Stanley Cup Final. New York lost the series to Montreal in five games.
Duguay also played for the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Los Angeles Kings. The New York Post reports he played 864 NHL games, finishing with 274 goals and 346 assists. The Associated Press reported Duguay played nearly 1,000 NHL games.
With the Rangers, Duguay recorded 340 points in 499 games, and he was an NHL All-Star in 1981-82. The Rangers called him one of the most popular players in franchise history and said he captivated fans at Madison Square Garden.
After his playing career, Duguay worked as an MSG Network Rangers analyst from 2007 to 2018 and coached the Jacksonville Barracudas, leading the team to a championship in 2003-04.
Duguay’s girlfriend, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, shared a tribute on social media: “He fought so hard. Love never ends.”
He is survived by his daughters, Shay Thomas and Amber Stavros; his son, Noah Duguay; and five grandchildren.