Former NHL player Mark Kirton died on Sunday at the age of 67 after a battle with ALS. Kirton was diagnosed with ALS, a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, in 2018."We are saddened to learn of the passing of Mark Kirton following a battle with ALS. Our thoughts are with Mark's friends and family during this time," the Toronto Maple Leafs wrote on X.Kirton was actively involved in raising funds for the disease, which has an average lifespan of two to five years. In 2020, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers, and Montreal Canadiens came together to support efforts to raise funds and awareness for ALS research.A few months later, the initiative helped the ALS Super Fund generate $1 million, with Wayne Gretzky describing Kirton as “a hero to me.”Mark Kirton and Wayne Gretzky played together in OHLMark Kirton and Wayne Gretzky played together with the Peterborough Petes in the OHL. However, they never played together in the NHL.Kirton was drafted 48th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1978. He had a brief two-year stint with the Maple Leafs before joining the Detroit Red Wings, where he spent three seasons. He also played three seasons with the Vancouver Canucks.Kirton accumulated 113 points (57G, 56A) in 266 games. He only played four playoff games with the Canucks, recording three points (1G, 2A).