Kirton was a fine skater and playmaker with a combative side that allowed him to handle the physical demands of the NHL. He played 266 games for three teams between 1979 and 1985. Kirton played three years with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League. He scored 71 points in the 1977-78 regular season then added 26 in 21 post-season games as the Petes made it to the 1978 Memorial Cup. Although the New Westminster Bruins won the championship, Kirton was named to the Memorial Cup all-star team. He also won the George Parsons Trophy as the most sportsmanlike player in the tourney. After this fine season, Kirton was selected 48th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs at the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft.