Ron Duguay, known for his flowing hair and celebrity lifestyle while playing the majority of his 12-season career with the New York Rangers, died Thursday at the age of 69.
The former forward announced in February that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer and had lost his appendix and gallbladder.
“The New York Rangers organization mourns the loss of Ron Duguay, one of the most popular players in franchise history,” the team 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.”
Duguay spent parts of eight of his 12 NHL seasons with the Rangers after being selected by the team with the No. 13 overall pick in the 1977 NHL Draft.
He was part of the 1978-79 Rangers team that lost to the Montreal Canadiens in the Stanley Cup Final. He also scored a career-high 40 goals in 1981-82, earning his only All-Star selection.
Duguay totaled 620 points (274 goals, 346 assists) in 864 career games with the Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings and Los Angeles Kings from 1977-89.
“Ron lived life with an extraordinary passion, an infectious smile, and a heart that was truly larger than life,” the NHL Alumni Association said in a social media post. “Above all else, his deepest and most sincere love was for his family. They were his greatest pride, his greatest joy, and always closest to his heart.
“His dedication and passion for the game of hockey were unwavering. Hockey was more than a sport to Ron; it was a part of who he was, a lifelong love that he carried with pride and shared so generously with others. But perhaps what made Ron most special was his humanity. His genuine compassion, kindness, and willingness to help others always extended far beyond himself. He cared deeply, gave generously of his heart, and had a remarkable way of making everyone around him feel valued and appreciated.”
Duguay joined MSG Networks as a broadcaster in 2007 and remained with the company through the 2017-18 season.
Off the ice, Duguay dated former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.
Per the New York Post, Duguay is survived by his daughters Shay Thomas and Amber Stavros, and son Noah Duguay, as well as five grandchildren.