Love, Loss, and Legacy: The Heartbreaking Story of Dominic and Katie Moore… see more…
By Sports Desk | June 2025
The world of professional sports often exudes toughness, grit, and competition. But every once in a while, it reveals its deeply human side—stories that transcend the scoreboard. One such story is that of Dominic Moore, the former New York Rangers center, and his late wife, Katie Moore, whose tragic death in 2013 left an indelible mark on the NHL and its community.
Dominic Moore was never the flashiest player on the ice. A journeyman in the National Hockey League, Moore was known for his intelligence, strong two-way play, and relentless work ethic. After stints with multiple teams, he found a home with the New York Rangers, where he earned respect for his leadership and unyielding competitiveness. But his greatest battle would not come on the ice—it came far from the rink, in the form of a rare and aggressive illness that affected the person he loved most.
A Devastating Diagnosis
In 2012, Moore was at a strong point in his career, but his personal life took a tragic turn. His wife, Katie Urbanic Moore, was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer. The diagnosis was swift, aggressive, and devastating. In response, Dominic made the decision to take a leave of absence from the NHL. He sat out the entire 2012–2013 season, dedicating his time and energy to caring for Katie as she battled her illness.
Katie was known not only for her beauty and intelligence but also for her strength and grace under pressure. A Harvard graduate with a passion for philanthropy and the arts, she was Moore’s soulmate and biggest supporter. The couple’s love story had inspired many, and the hockey community rallied around them during their darkest hours.
Unfortunately, Katie passed away in January 2013, just months after her diagnosis. She was only 32 years old.
The Return and the Masterton Trophy
After taking time to grieve and heal, Moore made the courageous decision to return to professional hockey. In 2013, he rejoined the New York Rangers, reuniting with the franchise he had played with earlier in his career.
Moore’s return was nothing short of remarkable. Despite the emotional weight he carried, he played a critical role in the Rangers’ success during the 2013–14 season. That year, he helped guide the team to the Stanley Cup Final, scoring key goals and offering veteran leadership along the way.
For his perseverance, dedication, and sportsmanship, Moore was awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2014. The trophy, given annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies perseverance and dedication to hockey, was a fitting tribute to a man who had endured unimaginable loss but found the strength to carry on.
The Katie Moore Foundation
Following Katie’s passing, Moore turned his grief into action. In her memory, he established the Katie Moore Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting research and providing assistance for those affected by rare forms of cancer.
Through the foundation, Moore has helped raise awareness and funding for causes that often go overlooked. He has spoken publicly about the emotional journey he and Katie faced, using his platform to advocate for families navigating similar challenges. The foundation’s work continues to offer hope to many battling rare diseases and honors Katie’s legacy through acts of compassion and support.
A Second Chance at Love
Years after Katie’s death, Moore found love again. In 2015, he married Mary Hirst, a former track and field athlete at Harvard. Their marriage marked a new chapter in Moore’s life—one that balanced healing with new beginnings. While Katie’s memory remains ever-present, Moore’s resilience and openness to love again inspired many.
His story reminds fans and players alike that professional athletes are not immune to life’s deepest hardships. Moore’s experience became one of the most emotional narratives in NHL history—not because of what he did with a hockey stick, but because of the love he showed off the ice.
A Lasting Impact
Today, Dominic Moore is retired from the NHL but remains active in the sport as a broadcaster and mentor. The lessons he learned through Katie’s illness continue to influence his work and life philosophy. The hockey world has not forgotten Katie, and her memory lives on through the foundation that bears her name and the life Dominic Moore continues to lead in her honor.
In a league filled with highlight-reel goals and bone-crushing hits, the story of Dominic and Katie Moore stands out—not as a tale of triumph on the ice, but as a profound reminder of love, loss, and the strength to rise again.
Leave a Reply