Sarah Palin brought to tears by Rangers Ron Duguay tributes at the Garden

The Rangers paid tribute to Ron Duguay on Monday, honoring the former franchise star who died after a battle with cancer last week at the of 69.“The Rangers family mourns the passing of one of the most beloved players in franchise history, Ron Duguay,” public address announcer Joe Tolleson told the Garden crowd before the puck dropped against the Kings.“During his eight season with the Blueshirts, Ron captivated the Garden faithful with his electrifying skating style, signature flowing hair and larger-than-life personality.“A 40-goal scorer who helped lead the Rangers to the 1979 Stanley Cup Final, Ron became more than a fav favorite — he was a New York icon whose impact extended far beyond the ice.

Through his generosity, charitable efforts and passion for helping others, Ron touched countless lives and left a lasting legacy within the Rangers community.”A moment of silence for Duguay was followed by a raucous cheer from the crowd for the former center.Later in the game, the team brought out Duguay’s family — daughters Shay Thomas and Amber Stavros, son Noah Duguay, his grandchildren — Aiden, Jayden, Cole, Nora and Ranger — as well as longtime girlfriend Sarah Palin, who was moved to tears at the crowd’s cheering for its fallen favorite during a second tribute video.It was Palin who announced Duguay’s death last Thursday, days after asking for prayers for him on her Instagram Story.“It’s with a shattered heart, but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now,” the former Alaska governor posted to X on Oct.22.

“He fought so hard.Love never ends.”The pair had been dating since 2022.In 499 games with the Rangers from 1978-83 and 1986-88, Duguay posted 164 goals and 340 points, but his good looks, coupled with flowing locks, made him a star off the ice, as well.He and Blueshirts teammates Phil Esposito, Anders Hedberg and Dave Maloney famously modeled Sasson jeans in an ad in which they sang the “ooh la la” jingle while skatin...