In the Kyte family, hockey isn’t just a game; it’s a legacy.
It started with Grandpa Kyte, who built a backyard rink in Pembroke, Ontario to give his kids something to do in the winter. That frozen patch of ice became the foundation of a multi-generational tradition that would shape the lives of his children and grandchildren for decades to come.
This Father’s Day, we’re celebrating a story that speaks to the heart of belonging, resilience, and family legacy, both on and off the ice.
The Kyte family carries a unique history. A faulty gene affecting the auditory nerve led to hearing loss in all five Kyte brothers. But in this family, communication didn’t stop—it evolved. And so did their love for the game that kept them connected. Among the brothers is Jim Kyte, who made history as the first legally deaf player in the NHL, playing 598 games and paving the way for future generations.
Playing at the World Deaf Ice Hockey Championships isn’t just a continuation of that legacy. It’s a platform that brings together athletes and families from all walks of life to connect through the game they love. For the Kytes, it’s a space where connection runs deep, through the game, the culture, and the people who understand what it means to play for something more.
This year, Frayne, Johnny, Sean, and Sam Kyte — fathers, sons, brothers, and cousins — took to the ice together at the 4th World Deaf Ice Hockey Championships in Vancouver, BC, proudly representing Team Canada. For them, it was more than a tournament. It was a full-circle moment.
As Sean Kyte shared:
“Growing up, hockey was everything. My dad coached all four of us brothers. Winters meant ice hockey, summers meant ball hockey. And family get-togethers always turned into games with our cousins, uncles, and aunts. Hockey means a lot to our family. It’s how we stay connected.”
Frayne Kyte, who won gold with Team Canada in 1999, had the rare opportunity to play alongside his son Sam in this year’s tournament. As a father, coach, and proud teammate, the experience was deeply meaningful.
“Every time we get together, hockey is there,” Frayne said. “It’s not just about the game. It’s how we connect. It’s who we are.”
Johnny Kyte, now a father of three, is already seeing the next generation follow in their footsteps.
“My older two kids are hearing impaired,” he said, “and they were born into the right family. It’s pretty special to watch them grow up around the same kind of connection we had.”
Their story is one of quiet strength — of adapting, supporting one another, and showing what it means to lead with love, legacy, and resilience.
From Grandpa Kyte’s backyard rink to the world stage in Vancouver, their journey is a reminder that legacy isn’t just built. It’s shared.
This Father’s Day, we celebrate stories like the Kytes’, where the rink becomes a gathering place and where teamwork, tradition, and connection are passed down from generation to generation.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, uncles, coaches, and role models who make belonging possible, on and off the ice.