New York Rangers legend Ron Duguay will not be returning as an MSG analyst this season despite the backlash from his legion of fans.
After 12 years of being the New York Rangers game analyst for MSG Network, Ron Duguay will not be returning for a 13th season.
Thx for your support,I’ve truly enjoyed the last 12 years being a face and voice for the @NYRangers fans!!! https://t.co/lOREZfED0e
— Ron Duguay (@RonDuguay10) September 20, 2018
The 61-year-old Duguay took the opportunity on his Twitter account to thank the fans for their support on Tuesday Morning.
A Madison Square Garden spokesperson made a short simple statement announcing the Duguay would not return to the network. The comment appeared in a brief Newsday story by Neil Best which stated,
“We would like to thank Ron for his contributions to MSG Networks over the years, and wish him all the best moving forward.”
The news has come as a shock to many fans. Duguay, who has a very loyal fan base, played for the Rangers for eight seasons in two different stints, appearing in 499 games between 1977-78 — 1982-83, and 1986-1988. The number 10 was well known for his long red hair flowing as he skated around the ice for the Rangers.
Things progressed so much in a short time after the announcement that a Rangers fan started a Change.org petition which appeared on Facebook and Twitter asking Jeff Filippi of MSG Network to reconsider the decision to fire Duguay.
Jeff Fillippi: Bring Back Ron Duguay To MSG Networks! https://t.co/2zKPxWMBg2 via @Change pleae sign this guys @RonDuguay10 is a great person and friend
— Ricky otazu (@RickyOtazu16) September 20, 2018
Duguay who never had trouble voicing his opinion, was involved in a bit of a controversy earlier this season when he said that the referees should have been doing a women’s hockey game because they were “kind of soft.” He later attempted to repair his statement by explaining women’s hockey has no hitting, hence the soft remark.
The Rangers will now look to replace the sometimes fancy and unusual dresser before the regular season starts in October.
Steve Valiquette will return as a studio analyst for Rangers games in 2018-19.
