Ron Duguay, Hockey Icon and Former Ranger, Dies at 69 After Cancer Battle

Former New York Rangers star Ron Duguay died Thursday at the age of 69 following a battle with colon cancer.

His passing was marked by heartfelt tributes from his family and the broader hockey community. Duguay's daughter, Shay Thomas, expressed her grief on social media, stating, "Our hearts are broken. We love you forever, Dad." She shared poignant moments with her father throughout his diagnosis, which began in 2024, offering updates to followers.

Sarah Palin, who had been Duguay's girlfriend since 2022, also posted a message of remembrance. "It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now. He fought so hard. Love never ends," Palin wrote.

Fans and fellow athletes took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to honor the former Ranger, who played for the team in eight of his 12 NHL seasons. "Omg 🙏🙏 we Loved you Ron 💙💙. Im so sick to my stomach and so sad. RIP Ron🙏🙏You were a great man!" one fan wrote.

Another fan remembered Duguay as not only a great player but a better man, noting his accessibility to fans. "A smile that lit up rooms. He’s been my inspiration since I was diagnosed w cancer. 🙏 I pray today for his daughters and family as well as @SarahPalinUSA," the post read.

Actor Michael Rapaport recalled Duguay's significant impact on his childhood fandom. "The excitement around that team, the Sasson Jeans commercials, the whole NYC energy of it all. RON DUGUAY was a HUGE part of that. A real piece of my childhood as a New York sports fan. May his memory be a blessing 🕯️🏒❤️," Rapaport posted.

Duguay was selected 13th overall by the Rangers in the 1977 NHL Draft.