Ron Duguay

Lore & Background

Duguay played junior hockey for his hometown Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League (OMJHL) from 1973 to 1977, recording 134 points in the 1975–76 season. He was drafted 13th overall by the New York Rangers in the 1977 NHL amateur draft and made the jump directly to the NHL, scoring 20 goals in his rookie year. With the Rangers, he set a team record for fastest goal at the start of a game at 9 seconds on April 6, 1980, against the Philadelphia Flyers. In 1981–82, he led the Rangers in scoring with 40 goals and played in the NHL All-Star Game. After clashes with coach Herb Brooks over his nightlife, he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings in 1983.

In Detroit, Duguay's career was revitalized. In 1983–84 he was third on the Red Wings with 33 goals and second with 47 assists, totaling 80 points. The following season he posted career highs of 38 goals, 51 assists and 89 points. He was later traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, then returned to the Rangers, and finished his NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings in 1988–89. After his NHL career, he played in Europe and minor leagues, including stints with the San Diego Gulls and Jacksonville Lizard Kings, and later coached the Jacksonville Barracudas. From 2007 to 2018, he worked as an in-studio analyst for MSG Network's coverage of the New York Rangers.

Reader's Guide

Ron Duguay's significance lies in his role as a colorful personality during the NHL's transition into the disco era, particularly with the New York Rangers. He was part of team president Sonny Werblin's efforts to make the Rangers more hip and visible, including singing on the novelty record 'Hockey Sock Rock' written by Alan Thicke. His long curly hair and helmetless skating became his trademark, and he appeared in a TV commercial for Sasson designer jeans with teammates. His legacy includes having his jersey retired by the Sudbury Wolves and being ranked no. 49 all-time among New York Rangers in the 2009 book 100 Ranger Greats. His career revival in Detroit demonstrated his ability to rebound from adversity, and his later broadcasting work kept him connected to the Rangers organization for over a decade. Off the ice, his personal life drew media attention, including marriages to models Robin Bobo and Kim Alexis, and a reported relationship with former Alaska governor Sarah Palin.

Did You Know?

• His jersey has been retired by the Sudbury Wolves.
• In 2009, he played two games in the Eastern Professional Hockey League without a helmet to raise money for the Garden of Dreams Foundation.