{"id":379768,"date":"2026-10-22T15:16:08","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T15:16:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/379768\/"},"modified":"2026-10-22T15:16:08","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T15:16:08","slug":"former-rangers-forward-ron-duguay-dies-at-69-after-stage-4-cancer-battle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/379768\/","title":{"rendered":"Former Rangers forward Ron Duguay dies at 69 after stage 4 cancer battle"},"content":{"rendered":"

(TNND) \u2014 Ron Duguay, a former New York Rangers forward known for his flowing hair, skating style, and charisma, has died after a battle with cancer.<\/a> He was 69.<\/p>\n

Duguay died Thursday, Oct. 22, his family said. The Rangers said Duguay\u2019s family informed the team of his death.<\/p>\n

\"NEW<\/p>\n

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 )<\/p>\n

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<\/a>. Duguay was diagnosed with cancer in 2024, and his family said earlier this year that it had progressed to stage 4.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Duguay also played for the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Los Angeles Kings. The New York Post<\/a> reports he played 864 NHL games, finishing with 274 goals and 346 assists. The Associated Press<\/a> reported Duguay played nearly 1,000 NHL games.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> and said he captivated fans at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Duguay\u2019s girlfriend, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, shared a tribute on social media: \u201cHe fought so hard. Love never ends.\u201d<\/p>\n

He is survived by his daughters, Shay Thomas and Amber Stavros; his son, Noah Duguay; and five grandchildren.<\/p>\n