Ron Duguay, the former New York Rangers star who spent 12 seasons in the NHL and became known for his celebrity-filled lifestyle off the ice, died Thursday at age 69 following a battle with colon cancer, according to his girlfriend, Sarah Palin.
Selected 13th overall by the Rangers in the 1977 NHL Draft, Duguay made a name for himself as a fast, skilled, offensive-minded forward. His signature feathered hairstyle and high-profile social life made him one of the most recognizable figures in New York hockey.
During his six seasons with the Rangers, Duguay helped lead the team to the 1979 Stanley Cup Final, where New York fell to the Montreal Canadiens in five games. He appeared in 499 games for the Blueshirts, recording 164 goals and 176 assists for a total of 340 points.
Former New York Rangers forward Ron Duguay skates during a game against the Los Angeles Kings in April 1981.
The New York Rangers paid tribute to Duguay in a heartfelt statement shared on X, remembering him as one of the most beloved players in the team’s history.
“The New York Rangers organization mourns the loss of Ron Duguay, one of the most popular players in franchise history,” the team said. “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 also left his mark in the Rangers’ record books. He remains tied for the fastest goal scored to start a game in franchise history, finding the back of the net just nine seconds into a contest against the Philadelphia Flyers on April 6, 1980.
Playing at Madison Square Garden brought out the best in Duguay, whose electrifying performances, unmistakable appearance, and larger-than-life personality helped make him a fan favorite and a prominent figure in New York’s sports scene.
Sarah Palin shared a photo of Ron Duguay on social media, asking fans and supporters to keep the former New York Rangers star in their prayers during his cancer battle.
Reflecting on the excitement of playing at Madison Square Garden, Duguay described the special connection he felt with Rangers fans in a 2023 interview with TVA Sports.
“As soon as I stepped on the ice, I could feel the energy. You then become more than a hockey player,” he said. “You become an artist, because you entertain and you have an opportunity to make spectators jump out of their seats every time you make a check.”
For Duguay, hockey was never just about scoring goals or winning games. The Sudbury, Ontario, native embraced the spotlight, helping reshape the image of NHL players by bringing fashion, entertainment, and celebrity culture into the sport.
One of the most memorable examples of his crossover appeal was the famous Sasson jeans commercial, featuring Duguay alongside Rangers teammates Phil Esposito, Anders Hedberg, and Dave Maloney. The players modeled the denim brand while singing the catchy “ooh la la” jingle, creating an unforgettable moment where professional hockey met pop culture.
Decades later, the commercial remains a nostalgic piece of New York Rangers history and a reminder of Duguay’s lasting influence both on and off the ice.
Ron Duguay undergoes cancer treatment in a photo shared earlier this year by his daughter, Shay Thomas.
With his Hollywood-inspired appearance, vibrant Studio 54 nightlife, and charismatic personality, Duguay became one of the NHL’s most recognizable stars, breaking traditional boundaries between professional hockey, fashion, and celebrity culture.
His popularity extended far beyond the rink, introducing him to opportunities rarely experienced by hockey players of his era.
In 1980, Rangers legend Rod Gilbert introduced Duguay to renowned pop artist Andy Warhol, who featured the fashionable forward on the cover of his magazine, Interview.
Warhol also included Duguay, who wore No. 10 for the Rangers, in his celebrated Athletes portrait series, placing him alongside sporting icons such as boxing legend Muhammad Ali, former New York Mets pitcher Tom Seaver, and NBA superstar Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
New York Rangers forward Ron Duguay (center) positions himself in front of the net during an April 1982 game against the New York Islanders.
Duguay’s growing celebrity status eventually brought him into contact with some of Hollywood’s biggest names. After being introduced to pop artist Andy Warhol, he reportedly met legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who considered the Rangers forward for the lead role in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Although Duguay never landed the part, his Hollywood connections continued to grow.
Actress and model Farrah Fawcett reportedly approached him at a celebrity gathering, further highlighting his popularity beyond professional hockey.
Duguay’s romantic life also attracted considerable attention. After a memorable encounter with music icon Cher in the late 1970s, he eventually began a relationship with California model Robin Bobo. The couple married in 1983 but later divorced.
In January 1993, Duguay married supermodel Kim Alexis. Their marriage lasted more than two decades before ending in divorce in 2016.
A familiar face at New York’s legendary Studio 54 nightclub, Duguay embraced a glamorous lifestyle that sometimes frustrated Rangers coach Herb Brooks. Nevertheless, his distinctive personality and energetic playing style helped him become much more than an ordinary NHL star.
“Ron is the type of player who hustles a lot out there and turns on the fans,” Don Waddell, now president and general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets, told the Los Angeles Times in 1991 while working with the International Hockey League’s San Diego Gulls.
Ron Duguay’s Hockey Career: From Sudbury Wolves to NHL Stardom
Long before his rise to fame with the New York Rangers, Duguay began building his hockey reputation in his hometown of Sudbury, Ontario.
Nicknamed “Doogie,” he played for the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League from 1973 to 1977, establishing himself as one of the league’s standout offensive talents.
During the 1975-76 season, Duguay recorded an impressive 134 points in 61 games, helping the Wolves capture the Hamilton Spectator Trophy for the league’s best regular-season record. Sudbury later advanced to the J. Ross Robertson Cup final, where the team fell to the Hamilton Fincups.
His contributions to the franchise were recognized in September 2006, when the Sudbury Wolves retired his jersey during their 35th-anniversary celebrations.
Duguay also represented Canada internationally, competing in the 1977 World Junior Championship and the 1981 Canada Cup.
Throughout his 12-season NHL career, Duguay played for the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Los Angeles Kings.
He appeared in 864 NHL games, recording 274 goals and 346 assists for 620 career points. His final NHL season came with Los Angeles in 1988-89, bringing an end to a memorable career at hockey’s highest level.
However, his departure from the NHL did not mark the end of his playing days.
Duguay continued competing in the minor leagues before retiring at age 41 in 1999. His passion for hockey eventually drew him back to the sport in the early 2000s.
Ron Duguay’s Coaching Career and Jacksonville Barracudas Championship
In 2002, Duguay arrived in Jacksonville to join the injury-depleted Barracudas of the Atlantic Coast Hockey League.
He appeared in six games as a player before an unexpected coaching opportunity emerged following the dismissal of head coach Kurt Wickenheiser.
Duguay stepped behind the bench and ultimately spent four seasons leading the Barracudas through 2006.
During the 2003-04 campaign, his first full season as head coach, he guided Jacksonville to a league championship, marking the city’s first hockey championship.
His impact on the organization extended well beyond the team’s performances.
“If it wasn’t for Ron, the Barracudas would not be here today,” majority owner Steve Croskrey said in 2006, according to OurSports Central, when Duguay transitioned into an advisory position.
Even after decades of playing, coaching, and making headlines away from the rink, Duguay’s deep connection to hockey never faded. The sport remained a defining part of his life, from his early days in Sudbury to his years as a celebrated New York Rangers star and championship-winning coach.
Former New York Rangers star Ron Duguay poses alongside his wife, actress and supermodel Kim Alexis, and their children at a promotional event for The Gym Source around 1995. Both Duguay and Alexis wore T-shirts featuring the company’s logo.
Even years after stepping away from professional hockey, Duguay continued finding opportunities to return to the ice while supporting charitable causes.
In March 2009, nearly six years after his last professional appearance, the 51-year-old former NHL forward signed a two-day, two-game agreement with the Brooklyn Aces and Jersey Rockhoppers of the Eastern Professional Hockey League.
Rather than keeping his earnings, Duguay donated the money to the Garden of Dreams Foundation, a nonprofit organization affiliated with Madison Square Garden that helps young people facing difficult circumstances.
Later that year, Duguay showcased his skating abilities in a different setting when he participated in the debut season of CBC’s Battle of the Blades.
Partnered with former Canadian figure skating champion Barbara Underhill, Duguay competed on behalf of World Vision Canada, a Christian humanitarian organization focused on relief, development, and advocacy.
Despite his accomplishments throughout professional hockey, it was his eight years with the New York Rangers that truly defined his public image and established him as one of the sport’s most recognizable personalities.
Duguay’s connection to New York City extended far beyond Madison Square Garden. He embraced Manhattan’s vibrant nightlife, fashion, entertainment, and cultural scene, becoming a prominent figure in the city’s celebrity circles.
For Duguay, New York was never simply another stop in his hockey career. It was a city that matched his personality, celebrated his individuality, and helped transform him from a talented NHL forward into a lasting Rangers icon.
Sarah Palin is seen helping former New York Rangers star Ron Duguay in a video shared on Instagram during his battle with cancer.
Throughout his career, Duguay maintained a deep affection for Madison Square Garden and the New York Rangers, embracing the energy of the arena and the passionate support of the team’s loyal fan base.
His speed, determination, and entertaining style of play earned him praise from coaches and fans alike.
“I’d rather have Duguay the way he plays than [Mike] Bossy the way he plays,” former Rangers head coach Fred Shero once said.
Duguay’s relationship with the Rangers continued long after his playing career ended. From 2007 to 2018, he worked as a hockey analyst for MSG Network, providing commentary and insight during the network’s coverage of New York Rangers games.
His broadcasting role allowed him to remain closely connected to the franchise and the fans who had supported him throughout his NHL career.
Beyond his accomplishments on the ice and his larger-than-life personality, Duguay leaves behind a family who shared in his life and legacy.
He is survived by his daughters, Shay Thomas and Amber Stavros; his son, Noah Duguay; and five grandchildren, Aiden, Jayden, Cole, Nora, and Ranger.
Duguay’s legacy lives on through his family, his contributions to professional hockey, and the lasting memories he created for generations of New York Rangers fans.
