The Daily: Ex-Red Wing Kirton Fights ALS His Way; Celebrini Update

Former Detroit Red Wings player Mark Kirton (1980-83) was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease in 2018. He fought back against the disease in his own way.

The ALS Super Fund for research has reached the $1 million miles, thanks in part to Kirton’s tireless efforts to promote the cause.

Wayne Gretzky, Kirton’s former OHL teammate, was on Parliament Hill in Ottawa with Kirton when the milestone was announced. Others on hand: Hall of Famer Darryl Sittler, NHL Alumni president Glenn Healy, NHL executive vice president and director of hockey operations Colin Campbell, Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer, Edmonton Oilers CEO of hockey operations Jeff Jackson, Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan and former NHLer Laurie Boschman.

Former NHLer Mark Kirton was diagnosed with ALS in 2018 and since then has raised millions for his ALS Superfund. Tonight in Ottawa he was joined by Wayne Gretzky, Jeff Jackson, Laurie Boschman, Darryl Sittler, Glenn Healy and Brendan Shanahan. This is truly great work. pic.twitter.com/rx8mIKR0xR

— Gord Miller 🇺🇦 (@GMillerTSN) September 25, 2024

NHL.com’s well-written story by Mike Zeisberger paid homage to the work of Kirton, who attended the ceremony in a wheelchair and wearing an oxygen tube to help him breathe.

“You are a hero to me,” Gretzky told Kirton.   The NHL lost Borje Salming to ALS in 2022.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Check out the Filip Zadina first goal in the Swiss National League. It’s a nice goal. Former Red Wings Dominik Kubalik and Austin Czarnik are also playing in the SNL

Coach Derek Lalonde‘s Red Wings are better constructed for making a run for the playoffs than they were last season

Paywall story: Bob Duff writes about the growing expectations for young stars like Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond. To subscribe, click here:

Red Wings Next Game

Detroit opens the preseason tonight on the road against the Chicago Blackhawks. Coach Derek Lalonde said he wi

ll use a mixed lineup of youngsters and veterans. “I think the exhibition game matrix is complicated; We end up with five games in six days and three in three,” Lalonde said. “Certainly is not ideal, especially with some of the objectives we want to accomplish in camp.”

The Red Wings want youngsters like Marco Kasper, Nate Danielson, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, etc. to see plenty of game time.

“I think you’re going to see a lot of mixed lineups,” Lalonde said. “Maybe a couple of NHL-experienced lines and with a couple of new guys. That’s what we’ll see tomorrow night.”

Hockey Now Network

Buffalo: Jason Moser explores where Jordan Greenway fits into the Sabres this upcoming season. Buffalo Sabres.

Florida: Panthers center Sasha Barkov takes the Stanley Cup to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Florida Panthers.

Philadelphia: Jonathan Bailey looks at the pros and cons keeping prospect Jett Luchanko on the roster. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: Three good happenings and three bad for the Penguins in their preseason game. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Vegas Coach Bruce Cassidy on Macklin Celebrini’s debut: “Those are like Crosby plays.”