Former NHLer Ron Duguay dead at 69 following battle with cancer
A native of Sudbury and NHL first-round pick in 1977, Ron Duguay played in 860 NHL games with four teams in a prolific career.
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Following a hard-fought battle with cancer, Ron Duguay has passed away at the age of 69.
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Duguay’s girlfriend, Sarah Palin, announced the death of the former National Hockey League forward on X on Thursday morning.
“It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now,” Palin said in the social media post. “He fought so hard. Love never ends.”
Duguay one of Rangers’ most popular players
A native of Sudbury, Ont., Duguay was drafted in the first round of the 1977 NHL draft by the New York Rangers, 13th overall, and went on to have a prolific career with the Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings.
In 860 games, Duguay scored 274 goals and recorded 346 assists following a four-year junior career with Sudbury of what was then known as the Ontario Hockey Association.
The Rangers, in Toronto to play the Maple Leafs on Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena, also posted to X.
Duguay became known not only for his ability to score but also for his flamboyant style and flowing locks, which helped set him apart in the days that helmets were not mandatory in the NHL.
During two stints with the Rangers, Duguay became one of the team’s most popular players, both on and off the ice.
“The New York Rangers organization mourns the loss of Ron Duguay one of the most popular players in franchise history,” the Rangers 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.”
Rangers coach Mike Sullivan was a teammate of Duguay during the 1990-91 season with San Diego of the old International Hockey League.
“I grew up watching some of these guys when he played with the Rangers and I had the opportunity to play with him and Charlie Simmer, two guys who had pretty successful NHL careers,” Sullivan said. “I was in awe of those two guys because I grew up watching them play in the NHL and to have the opportunity to be one of their teammates was a great thrill for me as a young player.
“It’s a big loss for all of us, the Rangers organization in particular. We know he was a very popular Ranger.”
Final season with Kings was his first with Gretzky
Duguay’s final season in the NHL was in 1988-89 with the Kings, which happened to be Wayne Gretzky’s first year in Southern California following a trade from the Edmonton Oilers.
In 1990, Duguay attended Leafs training camp on a tryout but was not successful in cracking the roster.
“I would have loved to have played for the Leafs,” Duguay said, quoted by hockey historian Kevin Shea on Facebook. “I didn’t have a good camp. I was working hard but needed to be more productive.
“Growing up in Sudbury, I loved the Leafs. The reason I wore No. 10 for so many years was because their captain back then was George Armstrong.”
Duguay went on to play minor pro for several years before hanging up his skates in 2009.
A celebration of life for Duguay, who is survived by three children, will be announced at a later date.
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