Ron Duguay, former Rangers and Red Wings star, dies of cancer at 69

Ron Duguay, the former NHL All-Star whose flowing hair and charismatic style made him a fan favorite with the New York Rangers, has died of cancer. He was 69.

A Rangers spokesperson said Thursday that Duguay’s family had informed the team of his death.

Drafted 13th overall by New York in 1977, the Sudbury, Ontario, native spent his first six NHL seasons with the Rangers. He earned All-Star recognition during the 1981-82 season, when he averaged a point per game.

Duguay later played for the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings, along with a second stint in New York. He appeared in nearly 1,000 NHL games across the regular season and playoffs, collecting a combined 673 points. He subsequently played in Germany and the minor leagues.

His appeal extended beyond the scoresheet. With his distinctive skating style and long hair trailing behind him, Duguay became one of the Rangers’ most recognizable personalities.

The team remembered him as one of the most popular players in franchise history, praising the skill, tenacity and charisma that endeared him to Madison Square Garden crowds.

In later years, Duguay also drew attention for his relationship with Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee.

His family launched a GoFundMe campaign earlier this year to help cover travel and treatment expenses.

Palin paid tribute to him on social media, expressing grief while drawing comfort from her faith.

“He fought so hard. Love never ends,” she wrote.