Ron Duguay

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Duguay played junior hockey for the Sudbury Wolves of the OMJHL from 1973 to 1977. He recorded 134 points in 1975–76, helping the team win the Hamilton Spectator Trophy and reach the league finals. He played for Canada at the 1977 World Junior Championships, recording one goal and four assists in five games as Canada finished second. Drafted 13th overall by the New York Rangers in 1977, he played 864 NHL games, scoring 274 goals and 346 assists for 620 points. With the Rangers, he set a team record for fastest goal at the start of a game (9 seconds) on April 6, 1980, against the Philadelphia Flyers. He led the Rangers in scoring in 1981–82 with 40 goals and played in the NHL All-Star Game. He was traded to the Detroit Red Wings in 1983, then to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1986, and returned to the Rangers in 1987. He finished his NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings in 1988–89. He later played minor league hockey for the San Diego Gulls, Jacksonville Lizard Kings, and Jacksonville Barracudas, and coached the Barracudas. From 2007 to 2018, he was an analyst for MSG Network's Rangers coverage.

In Their Own Story

The 1981 playoffs saw Ron Duguay find the net with regularity. In game one against the Vancouver Canucks, the Sabres faced a deficit late in the third period. Andre Savard tied the game with just eight seconds remaining, forcing overtime. Duguay's goal in the series opener helped set the tone. In game two, the Sabres scored three times on the power play to win 5-2, with Duguay again contributing a goal. In game three, Vancouver attempted a comeback from a 4-1 deficit, but Tony McKegney's second goal of the game restored a two-goal lead. Duguay scored his third goal of the series, and the Sabres held on for a 5-3 win to complete the sweep.

Reader's Guide

Ron Duguay is a former NHL player known for his long hair and flashy style. He played for the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Los Angeles Kings. His best offensive season was 1984–85 with Detroit, where he had 38 goals, 51 assists, and 89 points. He later became a broadcaster and coach.

Did You Know?

• Duguay set a Rangers record for fastest goal at the start of a game (9 seconds) on April 6, 1980.
• He sang on the 1979 song 'Hockey Sock Rock' with teammates Phil Esposito, Pat Hickey, Dave Maloney, and John Davidson.
• He appeared in a TV commercial for Sasson designer jeans with Phil Esposito, Dave Maloney, and Anders Hedberg.
• The Sudbury Wolves have retired his jersey.
• He competed in the first season of Battle of the Blades on CBC in 2009.