Ron Duguay, the curly-haired New York Rangers star who became one of hockey’s first true sex symbols and, later in life, Sarah Palin’s boyfriend, has died. He was 69.
A Rangers spokesperson said Duguay’s family informed the team of his death, which was reported on Thursday, October 22. The former NHL All-Star had been battling Stage 4 cancer for more than a year. He previously told the New York Post that the cancer started in his colon, and he lost his appendix and gallbladder during treatment. Earlier this year, his family started a GoFundMe to help cover his travel and treatment costs.
Sarah Palin: “Love Never Ends”
Palin, the former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, shared her grief after the news broke. She wrote that she was heartbroken but at peace knowing Duguay is “with Jesus now,” adding simply, “Love never ends.”
The pair first sparked romance rumors in January 2022, when they were spotted dining outdoors together at Elio’s on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Duguay confirmed they were dating the following month, and he was by her side as she left a New York courthouse in February 2022 during her defamation case against The New York Times.
A Rangers Fan Favorite
Born July 6, 1957, in Sudbury, Ontario, Duguay was drafted 13th overall by the Rangers in 1977 and quickly became a Madison Square Garden favorite, famous for skating without a helmet as his long curls flowed behind him. He helped lead the 1978–79 Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final and was named an All-Star in 1981–82.
Over 12 NHL seasons with the Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings, he scored 274 goals and 620 points in 860 regular-season games.
“One of the most popular players in franchise history,” the Rangers said in a statement, praising the skating style and charisma that captivated fans at the Garden. The NHL Alumni Association remembered him for his infectious smile and said his family was his greatest pride and joy.
Hockey’s Original Heartthrob
Off the ice, Duguay was pure 1970s glamour. He starred in a famous Sasson designer jeans commercial alongside teammates Phil Esposito, Dave Maloney and Anders Hedberg, and even sang on the 1979 novelty song “Hockey Sock Rock,” written by Alan Thicke.
After his playing days, he coached in the minor leagues, competed on CBC’s Battle of the Blades in 2009, and spent more than a decade as a Rangers analyst on MSG Network.
Duguay was married twice: first to model Robin Bobo, with whom he had two daughters, and later to supermodel Kim Alexis. He and Alexis divorced in 2016.
