Jan 31, 1982, Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Rangers forward Ron Duguay (10) in action against the Los Angeles Kings at the Great Western Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Ron Duguay, one of the most popular and recognizable faces in New York Rangers history, died on Thursday at the age of 69, the team confirmed.
Duguay battled Stage 4 cancer, which originated in his colon, for more than a year, resulting in the loss of his appendix and gallbladder.
“The New York Rangers organization mourns the loss of Ron Duguay, one of the most popular players in franchise history,” a statement from the Rangers read. “Ron’s signature skating style — with his hair flowing as he moved down the ice — captivated The Garden Faithful, and his skill, tenacity, and charisma earned him the admiration of all New Yorkers. We join the hockey community in sending our condolences to Ron’s friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Duguay played eight of his 12 NHL seasons with the Rangers, appearing in 499 games. His 164 goals rank 25th in franchise history, including 27 in the 1978-79 season in which the Blueshirts advanced to the Stanley Cup Final. He also scored 40 goals in 1981-82, which earned him his lone career All-Star appearance.
For as good a hockey player as Duguay was, he was just as marketable. His long, curly hair became his trademark, especially in the days when helmets were not required in the NHL. In 1979, he appeared in the famous Sasson jeans television commercial alongside Phil Esposito, Dave Maloney, and Anders Hedberg with the tagline, “Oo La La! Sasson.”
Following his playing days, he served 12 years as an analyst on MSG Networks.
“Ron lived life with an extraordinary passion, an infectious smile, and a heart that was truly larger than life,” the NHL Alumni Association wrote in a statement. “Above all else, his deepest and most sincere love was for his family. They were his greatest pride, his greatest joy, and always closest to his heart. His dedication and passion for the game of hockey were unwavering. Hockey was more than a sport to Ron; it was a part of who he was, a lifelong love that he carried with pride and shared so generously with others.
“But perhaps what made Ron most special was his humanity. His genuine compassion, kindness, and willingness to help others always extended far beyond himself. He cared deeply, gave generously of his heart, and had a remarkable way of making everyone around him feel valued and appreciated.”
For more on Ron Duguay and the Rangers, visit AMNY.com
