Former NHLer Jim Kyte to Headline Salvation Army’s Signature Event in London
Autism Awareness will be at the forefront of this year’s Hope In The City breakfast in London.
This year’s keynote speaker is Jim Kyte, the only legally-deaf player in the history of the National Hockey League. Playing in the NHL while deaf had several challenges, but off the ice, Kyte was faced with a much bigger challenge.
“Twenty-one years ago my son was diagnosed with autism. I had never heard of Autism Spectrum Disorder before that day. It is life changing.”
The Salvation Army London Village Respite Program supports over 200 families; approximately 50 have a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“Like any disability, it just doesn’t affect the individual, it impacts the whole family,” says Kyte. “Some people are lucky to have immediate family nearby to assist but many do not. Respite programs are critically important for families to catch their breath and refuel their resiliency.”
In 1982, Kyte was drafted in the first round by the Winnipeg Jets. He played for five teams throughout his NHL career; Winnipeg, Calgary, Pittsburgh, Ottawa and San Jose.
After sustaining a career-ending brain injury in an auto accident, Kyte retired from hockey in the summer of 1998 and is an active member of the NHL Alumni Association, including Senators Alumni Executive. Last year, he was inducted into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame in Toronto.
All of Kyte’s public speaking earnings go into a fund for his autistic son.
The 8th annual Hope in the City Breakfast will be held at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019.