Full Breakdown
Ron Duguay, NHL Star and Sarah Palin’s Partner, Dies at 69
By Drooid · · How we work
Final Game and Diagnosis
On October 22, 2026 former New York Rangers forward Ron Duguay died at age 69 after a prolonged battle with stage 4 colon cancer that had spread to his appendix and gallbladder. The illness was first disclosed publicly in February 2024 when Duguay told Page Six that the cancer originated in his colon. His daughter Shay Thomas later confirmed that the disease had progressed to involve his liver and caused severe internal bleeding.
Career Overview
Duguay was selected 13th overall by the Rangers in the 1977 NHL amateur draft and made his debut that fall. He spent six seasons with New York, helping the team reach the 1979 Stanley Cup Final and earning an All-Star nod in 1981-82. A six-player trade sent him to Detroit in the summer of 1983; he later played for Pittsburgh and Los Angeles before retiring in 1992. After his NHL career he appeared in Germany, the International Hockey League, and later coached the Jacksonville Barracudas, leading them to a championship in 2003-04.
Statistics
- NHL regular-season games: reported as 860, 864, and “nearly 1,000” across sources.
- Career points: figures range from 620 (274 goals, 346 assists) to 673 total points including playoffs.
- Rangers totals: 499 games, 164 goals and 176 assists (340 points).
- Record: tied for the Rangers’ fastest opening-goal record, scoring nine seconds in on April 6, 1980.
Official Statements & Responses
Sarah Palin, Duguay’s partner since 2022, posted a tribute on social media, emphasizing his faith and perseverance.
On-the-Ground Reports
Duguay’s daughter Shay Thomas shared multiple personal reflections on Instagram, describing the family’s fundraising efforts and the emotional toll of his illness.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Point totals: The New York Post lists 620 career points, while the Detroit Red Wings’ announcement cites 673 points including playoffs. The Rangers’ own release mentions 340 points earned with the club.
- Games played: Sources differ between 860, 864, and “nearly 1,000” NHL appearances, reflecting variations in counting playoff and minor-league contests.
- Cancer timeline: Duguay disclosed his diagnosis in February 2024; some outlets note a “two-year battle” while others reference a “hard-fought battle” beginning in 2024, creating minor chronological ambiguity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now,” — Sarah Palin, former Alaska governor (q1)
- “Our hearts are broken. We love you forever Dad,” — Shay Thomas (q2)
- “When he's on, he's a dominant force,” — Craig Ramsay, former Buffalo Sabres coach (q3)
- “I think he was maddening in that he was, to some coaches, like Herb [Brooks], he wasn't a guy who just played the system. You know, he kind of free-wheeled a little bit, went his own way.” — Dave Maloney, former Ranger (q4)
- “Our dad has never been someone who asks for help,” — Shay Thomas (q5)
- “She’s been a huge source of support,” — Shay Thomas (q6)
These statements, together with the factual record, illustrate both the on-ice legacy of Ron Duguay and the personal dimensions of his final battle.