Mark Kirton Death: Former Maple Leafs, Canucks Forward Dies at 67
- Mark Kirton, a former National Hockey League (NHL) forward who played for the Toronto Maple leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and Vancouver Canucks, has died at the age of...
- Kirton began his NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 1979-80 season.
- His most productive season came in 1980-81 with the Red Wings, where he tallied 18 goals.
Mark Kirton, Former NHL Forward and ALS Advocate, Dies at 67
Table of Contents
Overview
Mark Kirton, a former National Hockey League (NHL) forward who played for the Toronto Maple leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and Vancouver Canucks, has died at the age of 67 after a battle with Amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The Toronto Maple Leafs announced his passing on Sunday, August 18, 2024.
NHL Career
Kirton began his NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 1979-80 season. He afterward played for the Detroit Red Wings and the Vancouver Canucks, completing a six-year NHL career.
Over 266 career games, Kirton scored 57 goals. His most productive season came in 1980-81 with the Red Wings, where he tallied 18 goals. He concluded his professional career with the Vancouver Canucks in the 1984-85 season,recording 17 goals and 22 points in 62 games.
| Team | Years | Games Played | Goals | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 1979-1981 | 83 | 16 | 33 |
| Detroit Red wings | 1981-1983 | 118 | 30 | 53 |
| Vancouver Canucks | 1984-1985 | 62 | 17 | 22 |
| Total | 1979-1985 | 266 | 57 | 108 |
Early Career and Draft
Prior to his NHL career, Kirton excelled in junior hockey with the Peterborough Petes. He was drafted 48th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1978 NHL Entry Draft. In his final season with the Petes (1977-78), he demonstrated significant offensive prowess, scoring 27 goals and 71 points in 68 regular-season games, and adding an impressive 26 points in the playoffs.
ALS Advocacy
In 2018, Kirton received a diagnosis of ALS. He channeled his experience into advocacy, founding ALS Action Canada with PALS (Patients with ALS) in 2020. This patient-led initiative is dedicated to finding a cure for ALS and supporting those living with the disease. His commitment to the cause was recognized in 2022 when the Leafs Alumni Association presented him with the Carl Brewer Memorial Award for his outstanding work.