Born in Chapleau, Ontario in 1943, Ron moved to Terrace Bay with his family at the age of 5. It was there that Ron played his early minor hockey, developing his outstanding skills which saw him go on to enjoy a successful NHL career.

Given that there was no juvenile league in Terrace Bay in the early sixties, Ron found himself playing in a men's intermediate league at the age of 16, advancing to the Western Canadian finals. It was while playing in this league that Ron's talents were observed by a Boston Scout who moved him into the Bruins' organization and sent him to play Junior 'A' with the Niagara Falls Flyers. From there it was on to Kingston and the Minneapolis before he entered into the NHL.

Ron began his NHL career as a centre ice performer with the Boston Bruins in 1964-65. Ron remained with the Bruins organization until 1967 when he was traded to the St. Louis Blues in the expansion draft. During his two years with St. Louis, the Blues enjoyed their best years ever, twice advancing to the Stanley Cup finals. From there it was onto the Pittsburgh Penguins where Ron spent eight years at centre, leading the team as Captain in 1973-74 and 1976-77. Ron enjoyed his best NHL season while with Pittsburgh, earning 86 points during the 1974-75 year.

Following one season with the Buffalo Sabres in 1977-78, Ron retired from the professional ranks, leaving behind an impressive record of 909 games played and 517 total points and a 15-year NHL playing career.

Inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, September 29, 1990