Ludzik drops out of Falls election race
Former pro hockey player cites Parkinson’s disease
Former NHLer Steve Ludzik has called off his bid for a seat on Niagara Falls city council, citing health concerns.
Ludzik, 57, has spoken publicly about his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease and said his decision to pull out of the race came after receiving medical advice.
“I had a long talk with my doctor, my family, my wife, my son, and we just decided that being on council — with all the other stuff I do — I just wasn’t going to be able to give it 100 per cent. And that’s the only way I do the job.”
Through his fundraising and community work, Ludzik helped found the Steve Ludzik Centre for Parkinson’s Rehabilitation at Hotel Dieu Shaver Hospital in St. Catharines in 2013.
As well, he donates proceeds from his annual sports celebrity roast to the centre that provides a six-week assistance program for its patients.
“When you get run down, you’re susceptible to a lot of things,” said Ludzik, who’s confident he could have won one of the eight council seats. “And with Parkinson’s, the less sleep you get, the worse it is.
“I’d just like to say thanks to all the people of Niagara Falls, but I won’t be able to be there at the end.”
Ludzik played for eight seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks and part of one with the Buffalo Sabres before retiring from hockey in 1993. Before that, he was a junior star with the Niagara Falls Flyers.
Because the deadline for candidates to withdraw from the
Oct. 22 municipal election has passed, Ludzik’s name will still appear on the ballot. His withdrawal leaves 33 candidates in the running.