Former NHL forward Ron Duguay, an All-Star recognized for his scoring prowess and charisma on the ice, died Thursday following a battle with stage 4 colon cancer. He was 69.
A spokesperson for the New York Rangers said Thursday that Duguay’s family notified the franchise of his passing, ABC News reported. His longtime partner, former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, also announced the death on social media.
“It’s with a shattered heart but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now,” Palin wrote on Instagram. “He fought so hard. Love never ends.”
A dynamic presence on the ice
A native of Sudbury, Ontario, Duguay entered the league when the Rangers drafted him with the 13th overall pick in 1977. He spent his first six campaigns in New York, becoming an All-Star during the 1981-82 season. Widely recognized for skating with his long hair flowing without a helmet, Duguay quickly emerged as a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden.
“Ron’s signature skating style — with his hair flowing as he moved down the ice — captivated the (Madison Square) Garden faithful, and his skill, tenacity and charisma earned him the admiration of all New Yorkers,” the Rangers said in an official statement, expressing condolences to his loved ones.
Before the 1983-84 season, the Rangers traded Duguay to the Detroit Red Wings, where he played alongside Steve Yzerman and posted a career-best 38 goals and 89 points during the 1984-85 campaign, according to The Detroit News. In March 1986, Detroit traded him to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Doug Shedden. Duguay later skated for the Los Angeles Kings before returning for another stint with the Rangers, then concluded his playing days in minor leagues and overseas in Germany.
News accounts vary regarding his career statistics. The Detroit News reported that Duguay recorded 274 goals and 620 points across 864 regular-season games, while ABC News reported he played nearly 1,000 matches and posted 673 points across the regular season and playoffs combined.
Tributes and personal life
The NHL Alumni Association paid tribute to Duguay on social media, describing his devotion to hockey as a lifelong passion that he shared generously with the community. “He will be remembered not only for the player he was, but for the extraordinary person he was,” the organization said.
Duguay was diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2024 and shared the news publicly in February, according to reports by Globe and People. He previously told Page Six that the disease began in his colon and spread to his gallbladder and appendix, while the New York Post reported it had reached his liver. Earlier this year, his family organized an online fundraiser to help cover the costs of his medical care and travel while he was undergoing treatment in California.
Globe and People reported that Duguay is survived by three adult children: daughters Shay Thomas and Amber Stavros from his first marriage to Robin Bobo, and son Noah Duguay from his marriage to model Kim Alexis. The Detroit News reported he had two children.
Palin stated on social media that details regarding a celebration of Duguay’s life will be announced at a later time.
