Ron Duguay Facing Serious Health Battle — Family Asks Rangers Fans for Prayers

October 21, 2026 | New York Rangers Alumni Update

Former New York Rangers star and longtime MSG Network personality Ron Duguay, 69, is facing a serious health crisis as he continues his battle with Stage IV colon cancer that has spread to his liver.

Recent updates from his family indicate that Duguay has been hospitalized, prompting renewed concern among fans and an outpouring of support.

His Medical Battle

Duguay was diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2024, but his condition did not become public until February 2026.

He has been receiving treatment at City of Hope in Southern California, with his family playing a major role in coordinating his medical care.

His battle has been complicated by several significant medical setbacks. In July, Duguay lost consciousness and collapsed, suffering facial injuries and losing several teeth. Hospital examinations revealed severe dehydration, difficulty eating, internal bleeding, an ulcer and other complications.

Although his daughter reported encouraging signs of improvement in August, his condition has remained serious.

Recent Developments

On October 11, Duguay's daughter, Shay Thomas, posted a photograph of her father in a hospital bed and made an emotional appeal for prayers.

On October 18, Duguay's longtime partner, Sarah Palin, shared photographs from his hospital bedside, including one of her holding his hand, and publicly requested prayers.

In a subsequent update reported October 19, his daughter emphasized that her father continues fighting and that the family is taking his recovery one day at a time.

As of October 21, there has been no publicly confirmed announcement that Duguay is in hospice care or that doctors have declared his condition terminal. Nevertheless, the severity of his cancer, medical complications and continued hospitalization are legitimate causes for concern.

Remembering Number 10

For Rangers fans who followed the team during the late 1970s and 1980s, Ron Duguay was much more than another hockey player.

With his trademark flowing hair, speed, scoring ability and larger-than-life personality, Duguay became one of the most recognizable Rangers of his generation.

Selected 13th overall by New York in the 1977 NHL Draft, he helped the Rangers reach the 1979 Stanley Cup Final and earned an NHL All-Star selection in 1982.

Across his 12-season NHL career, Duguay recorded 274 goals and 346 assists for 620 points in 864 games.

He later became a familiar voice and face to another generation of Rangers fans through his work as an MSG Network analyst.

A Message to Rangers Fans

The hockey community has always respected its fighters, and Ron Duguay has demonstrated remarkable determination throughout this ordeal.

Right now, his family is asking for prayers, encouragement and support.

For everyone who remembers Number 10 flying down the ice at Madison Square Garden, this is an opportunity to let him and his family know that he has not been forgotten.

Keep fighting, Ron. Rangers fans are pulling for you.

Let's Go Rangers!

Sources: New York Post, October 21 · Us Weekly, October 20 · Us Weekly, October 12