Former Detroit Red Wings forward Mark Kirton, who enjoyed the most productive seasons of his NHL career with the franchise, has tragically lost his battle against ALS and passed away Sunday at just 67.
Known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a nervous system disease affecting the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord for which there is no cure, nor is the exact cause known.
Today, the hockey world lost not only a talented player but a remarkable human being. Mark Kirton, former NHL player and tireless advocate for ALS awareness, has passed away.
Mark’s career in the NHL was defined by determination, teamwork, and heart. Off the ice, he brought… pic.twitter.com/clVodnnR82
— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) August 18, 2025
Kirton, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2018, originally began his NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who made him the 48th pick in the 1978 Draft.
Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features.
He was traded to the Red Wings in 1980 for goaltender Jim Rutherford, and he would go on to score 33 goals with 42 assists in 134 total games with the club. He would also play for the Vancouver Canucks after the Red Wings traded him for Ivan Boldirev; he ultimately appeared in 266 career NHL games, recording 57 goals with 56 assists.
He also racked up 123 goals and 202 assists in 458 career games in the American Hockey League.
Confound to a wheelchair in 2020, Kirton served on the board of ALS Action Canada.
“We've been living this nightmare for what, a few years now, and I can tell you, it's horrific, it's cruel, it's torture,” Kirton said in September 2024. “The challenges are not daily challenges, they’re like hourly challenges.”
Kirton is the second former NHL player to recently pass away from the degenerative illness, which also claimed the life of his former teammate, Börje Salming, a Hall of Fame defenseman who played for both the Maple Leafs and Red Wings, at age 71 in November 2022.
Additionally, the illness has recently claimed the lives of Calgary Flames assistant general manager Chris Snow along with former Senators assistant coach Bob Jones.
Kirton is survived by his wife Lisa and children Adam, Sarah and Taylor.
Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites.
Read the full article here