Ron Duguay, NHL Alum & Sarah Palin’s Boyfriend, Dead at 69

Oct 22, 2026 - 22:05

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Ron Duguay, NHL Alum & Sarah Palin’s Boyfriend, Dead at 69

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Hockey fans are mourning the loss of a memorable player.

Ron Duguay, who played twelve seasons in the National Hockey League, died on Oct. 22 following a two-year battle with colon cancer, his loved ones confirmed on social media. He was 69.

Former Governor of Alaska Sarah Palin, Duguay’s girlfriend of four years, wrote alongside the announcement, “It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now. He fought so hard. Love never ends.”

Hailing from Ontario, Canada, Duguay was drafted by the New York Rangers in 1977 at age 20. Across his 12 seasons in the NHL—during which he played for the Rangers, the Detroit Red Wings, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Los Angeles Kings—the center accumulated 340 points, placing him 25th on the NHL’s all-time scorers and 34th in points.

During his tenure in the league, Duguay didn’t shy away from the spotlight, including appearing on the cover of Interview magazine in 1980, nor his heartthrob status.

In fact, when Duguay was traded to the Red Wings in 1983, he suspected it was because Rangers coach Herb Brooks didn’t approve of his lifestyle off the ice. “He got his way,” the athlete told the New York Times not long after his trade. “I wasn’t shocked, because there’s been so much talk about it, but I was very disappointed.”

Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images

After hanging up his professional skates in 1989—plus a few seasons played in the minor leagues and in Europe—Duguay tried his hand as a coach in the minor leagues for four seasons, before setting his sights onscreen.

The player—dad to two daughters with ex Robin Bobo and one son with ex Kim Alexis—would go on to cover his beloved New York Rangers on the MSG Network from 2007 to 2018.

“The fans of Ranger Nation are the best in the NHL and are what makes NYC so special to me,” Duguay told The New York Post in 2018. “They welcomed me with open arms when I came here as a 20-year-old kid and have continued to do so ever since. I am forever grateful to them and love interacting with them.”

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

“I do my best to show them how much they mean to me by doing whatever I can in the community to give back because I want them to know how much I appreciate what they have given me,” he added. “Because of them my heart is full. The Ranger organization and the fans have been my family for over 40 years. My loyalty will always be with them.”

And the feeling was more than mutual. Following Duguay’s death, the New York City-based team expressed their sadness over his passing, calling him “one of the most popular players in franchise history.”

“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,” the statement shared to X continued. “We join the hockey community in sending our condolences to Ron's friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time.”

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