The Unexpected Romance: 5 Shocking Details About Ron Duguay And Sarah Palin’s Relationship Timeline

The coupling of a Canadian hockey legend and a controversial American political figure is the kind of story that captures the public imagination, and as of December 10, 2025, the relationship between former New York Rangers star Ron Duguay and former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin continues to be a subject of fascination. Their romance, which began quietly and was later confirmed amidst a high-profile legal battle, is a testament to the unpredictable nature of celebrity dating in the modern era. The latest reports, while not providing a daily diary, confirm the couple remains a fixture in each other's lives, often seen together at public events, suggesting their bond is far more than a fleeting tabloid rumor.

The former NHL player, affectionately nicknamed the "Romeo of the Rink" for his flowing hair and celebrity lifestyle, and the former Vice Presidential candidate, known for her fiery political commentary, make for one of the most unlikely power couples in recent memory. Their connection, which started in a surprisingly modern way, has endured media scrutiny and the complications of their respective public lives, proving that sometimes, opposites truly do attract.

The Complete Biography and Profile of the Unlikely Couple

The foundation of their romance rests on two very different, yet equally public, lives. Understanding their individual journeys provides crucial context for their unexpected pairing.

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Ron Duguay: The 'Romeo of the Rink'

• Full Name: Ronald "Ron" Duguay
• Date of Birth: July 6, 1957
• Place of Birth: Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
• Primary Career: Professional Ice Hockey Player and Coach
• NHL Career: Played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Los Angeles Kings.
• Notable Nickname: "Romeo of the Rink," due to his distinctive long, flowing hair and celebrity lifestyle, which included frequenting New York hotspots like Studio 54.
• Post-Playing Career: Successful career as a hockey broadcaster and in-studio analyst, particularly for the New York Rangers.
• Previous Marriage: Was previously married to supermodel Kim Alexis from 1993 to 2016.

Sarah Palin: The Alaska Maverick

• Full Name: Sarah Louise Palin (née Heath)
• Date of Birth: February 11, 1964
• Place of Birth: Sandpoint, Idaho, United States
• Primary Career: Politician, Commentator, and Author
• Political Highlights: Served as the ninth Governor of Alaska (2006–2009); was Senator John McCain's running mate in the 2008 US Presidential Election. She was the first woman elected Governor of Alaska.
• Post-Governor Career: Became a contributor to Fox News, published several books, and remained a prominent figure in conservative politics and media.
• Divorce: Divorced from her husband, Todd Palin, in 2020 after 31 years of marriage.
• Recent Public Life: Has been involved in high-profile legal battles, including a defamation suit against The New York Times.

How The NHL Star Slid Into Sarah Palin’s DMs: The Origin Story

The start of the Duguay-Palin romance is a surprisingly modern tale, a far cry from the political ballrooms and hockey rinks where their lives were once centered. The couple’s initial connection, as revealed by Duguay himself, bypassed traditional introductions entirely.

The relationship reportedly began after Duguay "slid into her DMs." This casual, social media-driven start to a relationship between two high-profile public figures—one a former Vice Presidential candidate and the other a 1970s and 80s NHL celebrity—was unexpected, to say the least. It demonstrates how even the most famous individuals are now navigating the dating world.

Their connection quickly moved from the digital world to reality. Palin later mentioned on the NewsNation show "Banfield" that she got to know Duguay during a long road trip. This shared experience, away from the glare of the media spotlight, helped solidify their bond.

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The initial public acknowledgment was a mix of denial and confirmation. When the dating rumors first surfaced in late 2021/early 2022, Palin referred to Duguay simply as her "buddy." However, Duguay was more candid, later admitting that they were indeed dating and were "closerthanthis." This small contradiction became a defining, slightly humorous detail of their early public narrative.

The Defamation Trial and The Public Debut of a Relationship

One of the most significant chapters in the Ron Duguay and Sarah Palin story unfolded not on a red carpet, but in a New York City courthouse. Duguay’s presence during Palin’s 2022 defamation trial against The New York Times served as the couple's unofficial public debut and a powerful signal of the seriousness of their relationship.

Palin was in New York for the high-stakes legal proceedings, and Duguay was consistently by her side. He was photographed holding her hand outside the courthouse, a clear sign of support during a stressful time. Duguay confirmed that the process of the trial had brought them closer, stating, "We have gotten closer through this process.” This act of public solidarity cemented their status as a couple in the eyes of the media and the public.

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The juxtaposition of the former Alaska Governor fighting a major legal battle with the former New York Rangers star supporting her created a compelling narrative. It highlighted the blending of their two worlds: the high-stakes political and legal arena of Palin’s life, and the celebrity, public-facing world of Duguay's.

From 'Buddy' to 'Negotiating' Marriage: What’s Their Current Status?

The romance between Ron Duguay and Sarah Palin has continued to thrive, with the couple frequently seen together at various events, particularly New York Rangers games, connecting Duguay's past to their present.

The most recent public statements suggest a deep and lasting commitment. During an appearance on NewsNation's "Banfield," Duguay was directly asked about the potential for marriage. The former NHL star, known for his playful demeanor, responded with a joke that immediately made headlines: he claimed a marriage proposal was being "negotiated." While clearly a lighthearted remark, it indicated that their relationship was serious enough for the topic of marriage to be openly discussed and joked about in a public forum.

Their enduring public appearances, from catching a Rangers–Islanders game to attending charity events like Little Steven’s Policeman’s Ball, show that the relationship is "still going strong." The couple’s age difference (Palin is six years younger than Duguay) and their vastly different professional backgrounds (politics vs. professional sports) have only added to the public's fascination, proving that a shared sense of humor and mutual support can bridge any gap.

Ultimately, the story of Ron Duguay and Sarah Palin is a modern celebrity romance defined by its unexpected origins and its resilience under the intense glare of the media. Their connection, which started with a simple direct message, has evolved into a committed partnership that continues to make headlines and redefine what a "power couple" looks like in the 21st century.