Hockey World Mourns the Loss of Former NHL Player Who Courageously Battled ALS
Photo credit: NHL
Today, the hockey world has lost Mark Kirton, a figure well known to many fans and a strong advocate for ALS awareness.
See the official statement published by the National Hockey League Alumni Association.
"Today, the hockey world not only loses a talented player, but also a remarkable human being.
Mark Kirton, former NHL player and strong advocate for ALS awareness, has passed away.
Mark's NHL career was defined by determination, teamwork, and heart.
Off the ice, he put those same qualities into his fight against ALS.
Faced with one of the toughest challenges of his life, he chose to become a voice and advocate for others, raising awareness and inspiring hope.
His courage was unwavering, his selfless commitment and his spirit touched all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Mark was not only a teammate, but also a friend, a mentor, and a role model.
We will remember Mark for his strength, compassion, and the legacy he leaves behind, both in hockey and within the ALS community.
His life reminds us that true heroes are defined not only by their achievements, but also by the battles they fight with dignity and grace.
Our deepest condolences to his wife Lisa, his children Adam, Sarah and Taylor, his friends, his teammates, and all those whose lives he touched.
Mark will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Rest in peace, Mark."
- NHL Alumni
Mark Kirton, former NHL player and strong advocate for ALS awareness, has passed away.
Mark's NHL career was defined by determination, teamwork, and heart.
Off the ice, he put those same qualities into his fight against ALS.
Faced with one of the toughest challenges of his life, he chose to become a voice and advocate for others, raising awareness and inspiring hope.
His courage was unwavering, his selfless commitment and his spirit touched all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Mark was not only a teammate, but also a friend, a mentor, and a role model.
We will remember Mark for his strength, compassion, and the legacy he leaves behind, both in hockey and within the ALS community.
His life reminds us that true heroes are defined not only by their achievements, but also by the battles they fight with dignity and grace.
Our deepest condolences to his wife Lisa, his children Adam, Sarah and Taylor, his friends, his teammates, and all those whose lives he touched.
Mark will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Rest in peace, Mark."
- NHL Alumni
Vancouver Canucks saddened to learn of the passing of Mark Kirton
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Mark Kirton after his courageous battle with ALS.
Mark spent the last part of his NHL career in Vancouver, playing 119 games with the Canucks.
After his diagnosis, he became a strong advocate for the disease and founded ALS Action Canada to raise awareness and promote a cure.
His strength and determination inspired so many, and he will be deeply missed.
Our thoughts are with Mark's family, friends, and former teammates."
- Vancouver Canucks
Mark spent the last part of his NHL career in Vancouver, playing 119 games with the Canucks.
After his diagnosis, he became a strong advocate for the disease and founded ALS Action Canada to raise awareness and promote a cure.
His strength and determination inspired so many, and he will be deeply missed.
Our thoughts are with Mark's family, friends, and former teammates."
- Vancouver Canucks
Toronto Maple Leafs Announce the Passing of Mark Kirton
"We are saddened to learn of the passing of Mark Kirton following a battle with ALS.
Mark made his NHL debut with the blue and white and would go on to spend 8 seasons in the NHL. In 2018, he was diagnosed with ALS and in 2020 he founded ALS Action Canada with PALS (Patients with ALS), a patient-led initiative to find a cure.
The Leafs Alumni Association were proud to name Mark a recent recipient of the Carl Brewer Memorial award in recognition of his work.
Our thoughts are with Mark's friends and family during this time. For more information on ALS Action Canada please visit alsactioncanada.org"
Mark made his NHL debut with the blue and white and would go on to spend 8 seasons in the NHL. In 2018, he was diagnosed with ALS and in 2020 he founded ALS Action Canada with PALS (Patients with ALS), a patient-led initiative to find a cure.
The Leafs Alumni Association were proud to name Mark a recent recipient of the Carl Brewer Memorial award in recognition of his work.
Our thoughts are with Mark's friends and family during this time. For more information on ALS Action Canada please visit alsactioncanada.org"
It is such a cruel and devastating disease..Let us hope that Mark Kirton's battle to ultimately find a cure for ALS can continue with just as much strength, and that one day it will be achieved.
We wish to offer our deepest condolences to the Kirton family and the loved ones of this extraordinary and inspiring person.
Mark Kirton, who was 67 years old, was a 5-foot-10, 170-pound forward who recorded 113 points in 266 career NHL games, along with three points in four playoff games.
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