Former NHL player Ron Duguay dies at 69 from cancer

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 20:20 · Archive

Ron Duguay, who played nearly 1,000 NHL games from the late 1970s through the 1980s, has died of cancer at 69. The New York Rangers confirmed his death on Thursday after his family informed the club.

Duguay was drafted 13th overall by the Rangers in 1977 and spent his first six seasons with them. The Sudbury, Ontario native became an All-Star as a point-a-game producer in 1981-82. He finished his career with 673 points in the regular season and playoffs, and later played in Germany and the minors. The Rangers described him as 'one of the most popular players in franchise history', noting his 'signature skating style — with his hair flowing as he moved down the ice' captivated fans at Madison Square Garden.

During his career, Duguay was traded multiple times, playing for the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings in addition to his two stints with the Rangers. His family started a GoFundMe earlier this year to offset medical costs. Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor, 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.'

How it is being reported

• Ron Duguay, former Penguins forward who played in over 1,000 NHL games, dies at 69Pittsburgh Post-Gazette · 22 Oct, 19:42
• Former NHL player Ron Duguay dies at 69 after a bout with cancerNEW YORK — Ron Duguay, who played nearly 1,000 games in the NHL from the late 1970s through the ’80s, has died of cancer. He was 69.TribLIVE · 22 Oct, 16:15

In this story: Ron Duguay · New York Rangers · Sarah Palin · Sudbury

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem