Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Former NHL All-Star Ron Duguay dies at 69 after cancer
Former NHL All-Star Ron Duguay has died of cancer at 69.
He played nearly 1,000 games in the league from the late 1970s through the 1980s.
The Sudbury, Ontario, native spent much of his career with the New York Rangers, who drafted him 13th overall in 1977.
He also played for the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings, and was an All-Star in 1981-82.
Duguay finished with 673 points across the regular season and playoffs before continuing his career in Germany and the minor leagues.
The Rangers and NHL Alumni Association paid tribute to his skill and influence, while his family said his love for them came first.
His family had raised money for travel and treatment costs during his cancer battle, and the Rangers said they learned of his death from his family.
Former NHL player Ron Duguay died at 69 after a battle with cancer, according to reports published on October 22.
Days earlier, Sarah Palin had asked for prayers for Duguay as he received hospital care.
Duguay was diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2024, according to Us Weekly, and the cancer later spread to his liver, according to the Daily Mail.
Palin shared photos of Duguay in hospital and said prayers for him were appreciated.
Duguay played for several NHL teams, including the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings.
- Who
- Ron Duguay, a former NHL player, and Sarah Palin, who asked for prayers for him.
- What
- Palin shared hospital photos and requested prayers as Duguay battled cancer. Reports published October 22 said he had died.
- When
- Palin’s Instagram Story was posted on Sunday, October 18, according to Us Weekly. Duguay’s death was reported on October 22, 2026.
- Where
- Palin posted on Instagram. Duguay was receiving treatment at City of Hope in Southern California, according to the Daily Mail and Us Weekly.
- Why
- Palin said prayers for Duguay were appreciated as he faced cancer treatment.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Duguay was diagnosed with colon cancer, according to Us Weekly.
Duguay’s daughter asked people to keep her father in their prayers, according to Us Weekly.
Palin shared a hospital photo and requested prayers for Duguay, according to Us Weekly.
Reports said Duguay had died at 69 after a bout with cancer.
- Age
- 69
- Cancer diagnosis
- Colon cancer, December 2024
- Treatment location
- City of Hope, Southern California
- NHL draft
- 13th pick, 1977
- NHL teams
- New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings
5 sources
Ron Duguay, popular ex-New York Rangers player, dies at 69
Former NHL All-Star Duguay dies at 69 after bout with cancer
Sarah Palin pleads for prayers for cancer-stricken former NHL star boyfriend Ron Duguay as she shares photos of him in hospital bed
Sarah Palin Shares Hospital Bed Photos With NHL Icon Boyfriend Ron Duguay
What people are saying
prayers for Ron Duguay are so appreciated
It's with a shattered heart but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now
The New York Rangers organization mourns the loss of Ron Duguay, one of the most popular players in franchise history
She’s been involved and incredibly supportive in my dad’s entire journey