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Remembering Kirton’s Time in Detroit
Mark Kirton, a former Detroit Red Wings center and passionate advocate for ALS research, has passed away at the age of 67 after a long battle with the disease. Diagnosed with ALS in 2018, Kirton fought through the physical toll of the illness while continuing to raise awareness and funds for others facing the same struggle.
Kirton spent three seasons with the Red Wings from 1980 to 1983, scoring 33 goals and tallying 75 points in 134 games. Across his six-year NHL career, which also included time with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks, he finished with 113 career points.
Advocacy Beyond the Ice
Even after ALS limited his mobility, Kirton refused to step away from the fight. He became a driving force for ALS Action Canada, a patient-led group committed to finding a cure. His efforts brought together all seven Canadian NHL teams in fundraising events that eventually led to the creation of the ALS Super Fund. By the fall of 2024, the initiative had raised more than $1 million.
Kirton also served as a mentor and source of encouragement for others in the hockey world dealing with ALS. That included Borje Salming, the Hall of Famer who passed away in 2022.
Reflecting on his own journey, Kirton didn’t shy away from the reality of the disease. “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,” he once said.
Legacy in Detroit and Beyond
The NHL community, including many former Red Wings teammates, has expressed deep sorrow at Kirton’s passing. While fans in Detroit remember his contributions on the ice, his larger impact came later in life through advocacy and determination to make life better for others.
Kirton leaves behind a legacy of resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to pushing the fight against ALS forward.
Going Deeper
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Richard Knight
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