Ron Duguay leaves a legacy that was rooted in hockey, sprinkled with Hollywood and politics. The NHL legend passed away at age 69 after a fierce battle with stage 4 colon cancer.
Duguay rose to national fame in 1977 as a star forward for the New York Rangers, mesmerizing fans with his skill, charisma, and signature flowing hair. Duguay had a presence in Southern California as well. Late in his NHL career, Duguay played his 2 final NHL seasons in Southern California, skating alongside Wayne Gretzky for the Los Angeles Kings before continuing his West Coast hockey legacy with the San Diego Gulls.
Even Hollywood couldn’t miss his charisma and start-power. Its’s been reported that at a dinner with legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, Duguay was heavily considered for the iconic lead role of Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
In his later years, his life intertwined with politics when he began dating former Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin in 2022. Palin—who was famously thrust into the national spotlight at the 2008 Republican National Convention in Los Angeles—shared a heartbreaking tribute online, writing that she holds “deep peace” knowing he is resting.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
AI helped prepare this story
