Talakoski spent four years at the University of Manitoba. In October, 1986 he signed as a free agent with the New York Rangers and played three games for the club that season. The rest of his rookie pro year was spent in the AHL and IHL. In 1987-88 he played a half dozen games for the Blueshirts then scored 24 goals for the IHL's Colorado Rangers before retiring. Talakoski also served as a firefighter in Thunder Bay, Ontario for 18 years.[2] Talakoski was found dead by Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue Services after a short search near Pier 3 in Thunder Bay, after having been reported missing from his residence.[2] He is reported to have suffered from Shy–Drager syndrome.[2]
^The Chronicle Journal Staff (July 11, 2009). "Talakoski, Ronald Obituary". The Chronicle Journal. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
^ abcdtbnewswatch staff (July 7, 2009), "Body recovered at Pier 3", tbnewswatch.com website, Thunder Bay, Canada: Dougallmedia, retrieved July 8, 2009, Ron Talakoski, who spent 18 years with the department, had been reported missing earlier in the evening from St. Joseph's Care Group, where he resided.