Madison Square Garden paused before Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings to remember Ron Duguay, the former Rangers forward whose speed, flair and unmistakable look made him one of the club’s enduring fan favorites.
Duguay died Thursday at age 69. He spent 12 seasons in the NHL, including eight with the Rangers, and his family attended the tribute at the Garden.
A Garden farewell for Duguay
- Before the opening faceoff, the Rangers ran a collection of Duguay photographs on the videoboard.
- The building observed a moment of silence for the former forward.
- Fans then rose and applauded as the Rangers saluted one of the recognizable figures from the franchise’s late-1970s era.
- During a stoppage later in the game, Duguay’s family received its own ovation from the crowd.
In a statement, the Rangers remembered Duguay as one of the most beloved players in team history. The club pointed to the flowing hair that became part of his on-ice identity, along with the skating, competitiveness and personality that connected him with Garden fans and New Yorkers.
Rangers career and life after playing
Duguay was part of the Rangers team that reached the 1979 Stanley Cup Final. New York’s run ended with a five-game series defeat against the Montreal Canadiens.
After ending his playing career in the 1988-89 season, Duguay remained close to the organization and its audience. He later worked as a Rangers analyst on MSG Network for 12 years.
Monday’s pregame ceremony gave the Garden a chance to mark the loss of a player remembered as much for his presence as for the way he carried the puck through the neutral zone.
