Jordin Tootoo
Jordin John Kudluk Tootoo MSM (Inuktitut: ᔪᐊᑕᓐ ᑐᑐ;[1] born February 2, 1983) is a Canadian former professional hockey player, who played for the Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks. Of Inuit, Ukrainian and English descent, he is the first Inuk player to play in the National Hockey League (NHL).[2] Tootoo was widely regarded as one of the NHL's best agitators and was able to annoy, fight, and outplay other players to help his team win. At the end of the 2016–17 NHL season, Tootoo had accumulated 65 goals, 96 assists and 1010 PIMs in 723 career NHL games since entering the league in 2003.[3]
Jordin Tootoo
ᔪᐊᑕᓐ ᑐᑐ
February 2, 1983
Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
199 lb (90 kg; 14 st 3 lb)
Right
98th overall, 2001
Nashville Predators
2003–2017
In addition to his on-ice skills, Tootoo is known for his charity and community outreach work, especially in northern communities.
On October 19, 2018, he officially announced his retirement on Twitter, saying "After 220 regular-season games with the Wheat Kings and 723 games in the NHL I have decided to retire from the NHL to focus on giving back to the Indigenous community."[4]
Suspensions and disciplinary issues[edit]
Tootoo faced NHL disciplinary action on multiple occasions for his actions. On March 17, 2007, Tootoo punched defenceman Stéphane Robidas of the Dallas Stars in the face during a game. Robidas was knocked unconscious and suffered a concussion. Two days later the NHL issued Tootoo a five-game suspension without pay, and accusations of "dirty" play were leveled. These accusations were resurrected after an incident on October 11, 2007, in which Tootoo hit the head of Daniel Winnik of the Phoenix Coyotes with his shoulder.[15]
On December 6, 2011, the NHL suspended Tootoo again, this time for two games, as a result of a charging incident against Buffalo Sabres' goaltender Ryan Miller in a game played on December 3, 2011.[16] The incident occurred after Nashville's own GM, David Poile, publicly supported league action to prevent such hits on goaltenders.[16]
Columbus Blue Jackets' forward Derek Dorsett accused Tootoo of throwing a sucker punch at him during a game on February 20, 2013.[17]
Personal life[edit]
Jordin Tootoo's older brother Terence played for the Roanoke Express of the ECHL in the 2001–02 season. Terence had a successful junior career with the OCN Blizzard, and was named the Express' Rookie of the Year.[18] In August 2002, Terence died by suicide at the age of 22, in the wake of an arrest for drunk driving.[19]
Tootoo's middle name, Kudluk, means "thunder" in Inuktitut.[20] Jordin's mother Rose (née Harrison)[21] is of English and Ukrainian descent, while his father Barney is an Inuk from Nunavut.[22]
He is the paternal nephew of the former Manitoba Legislative Assembly Speaker George Hickes and cousin to former Nunavut Legislative Assembly Speaker and former federal minister Hunter Tootoo.
Although born in Manitoba, Tootoo grew up in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, where he was taught to skate and play hockey by his father. Growing up in Rankin Inlet allowed Tootoo to learn the traditional Inuit lifestyle that includes hunting and camping, but also exposed him to mental and physical abuse.[23] As the first Inuk[2] to play in the National Hockey League he has become a role model for youth in Nunavut.[24][25]
In 2007, Tootoo was in a relationship with former American Idol contestant and country music singer Kellie Pickler. Tootoo brought Pickler to his hometown of Rankin Inlet. The relationship ended that summer, due to Tootoo's infidelity. It is widely believed that Pickler's single Best Days of Your Life was written about Tootoo.[26][27]
On December 27, 2010, Tootoo voluntarily entered the NHL/NHLPA's Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program to receive treatment for an alcohol problem.[28] Following successful completion of the program, he returned to finish the season and play in the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs.
In 2012 during the NHL hockey lockout Jordin Tootoo went to his home town of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut to host the first Team Tootoo hockey camp for the local kids. Tootoo's main focus of the camp was making sure the kids were having fun and being able to enjoy themselves as a community. "It’s going to be a really positive atmosphere. You’re going to learn hockey skills, but you’re also going to learn life skills and teamwork," he said.[29]
In 2013 Stephen Brunt mentioned on radio that he was working on a book with Tootoo.[30] The book was published on October 21, 2014, entitled All The Way: My Life on Ice.[31]
Team Tootoo Foundation[edit]
In 2015 the New Jersey Devils nominated Tootoo for the 2015 NHL Foundation Player Award. This award is designated to a player that exhibits valued characteristics to the NHL; commitment, perseverance and teamwork. The player that is selected is granted 25,000 dollars to a foundation of their choice, which ended up being the kickstart to his foundation.[32] Tootoo's recognition comes from all the work his Team Tootoo Foundation has done in his hometown of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut and nationally. The inspiration that motivated Tootoo to start his foundation in 2011 was the suicide of his older brother Terence back in 2002. The main focus of The Team Tootoo Fund is to raise awareness for suicide prevention and anti-bullying programs for youths at risk. Having dealt with mental illness and suicide himself in the past he has been a positive voice for individuals struggling with these afflictions, often speaking out and sharing his story.[33]
