Ron Duguay, who played nearly 1,000 games in the NHL from the late 1970s through the 1980s, has died of cancer. He was 69, a spokesperson for the New York Rangers said Thursday, after Duguay's family informed the team of his death.
Duguay played his first six seasons with the New York Rangers, who selected him 13th overall in the 1977 draft. The Sudbury, Ontario, native was an All-Star as a point-a-game producer in 1981-82. A series of trades later sent him to the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings, with another stint with the Rangers in between. He finished his league career with 673 points in the regular season and playoffs, then played in Germany and in the minors.
The Rangers paid tribute in a statement calling him one of the most popular players in franchise history. "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 club said.
The NHL Alumni Association said Duguay "lived life with an extraordinary passion, an infectious smile, and a heart that was truly larger than life." Late in life, away from hockey, Duguay was known for dating former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican U.S. vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin. His family started a GoFundMe earlier this year to offset the costs of travel and treatments. Palin posted on social media, "It's with a shattered heart but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now. He fought so hard. Love never ends."
Source: ESPN NHL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing