Mark Kirton, Former NHL Player and ALS Advocate, Passes Away at 67
Former NHL player Mark Kirton has died at 67 after a battle with ALS, leaving a legacy of advocacy and inspiration.
Key Points
- • Mark Kirton passed away at 67 due to ALS after a long battle.
- • He played 266 NHL games across eight seasons, mainly with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- • Kirton raised over one million Canadian dollars for ALS awareness in collaboration with NHL teams.
- • He is remembered as a hero and an inspiration by fellow players and the hockey community.
Mark Kirton, a former NHL player celebrated for his time primarily with the Toronto Maple Leafs, has died at the age of 67 after a lengthy battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Kirton's journey with this debilitating disease began in 2015, when he first noticed muscle spasms in his arm but initially misdiagnosed them as Lyme disease. He was formally diagnosed with ALS in 2018 and subsequently dedicated his life to raising awareness and funds for ALS research.
During his career, Kirton played a total of 266 NHL games spanning eight seasons with various teams including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and Vancouver Canucks, accumulating 116 points with 58 goals and 58 assists. He was a teammate of famed Swedish hockey player Börje Salming, who also succumbed to ALS in November 2022.
Kirton was not only remembered for his on-ice contributions but also for his inspiring spirit off the ice. As he fought against ALS, he raised more than one million Canadian dollars (about 7 million Swedish kronor) through collaborative fundraising efforts with seven NHL teams in December 2023. His advocacy highlighted the urgent need for awareness and funding for ALS research, emphasizing his message to 'make noise about ALS' to support future patients.
Darryl Sittler, a former captain of the Maple Leafs, expressed admiration for Kirton, noting, "After a long, hard-fought, brave, and grueling battle, may he rest in peace. Mark is an inspiration for us all. God bless him." Wayne Gretzky also referred to Kirton as 'a hero' for his commitment to advocating for ALS awareness and research.
Kirton's legacy extends beyond his playing days, leaving a profound impact on the hockey community and raising awareness about the challenges faced by those living with ALS. He is survived by his wife Lisa and their three children: Adam, Sarah, and Taylor.