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 and Ukrainian descent, he is both the first Inuk player and the first player to grow up in Nunavut to participate in an NHL game.[2] Tootoo was widely regarded as one of the NHL's best agitators and was able to annoy, fight, and distract 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
Tootoo with the New Jersey Devils in 2014
Born (1983-02-02) February 2, 1983
Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
Height 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Weight 199 lb (90 kg; 14 st 3 lb)
Position Right wing
Shot Right
Played for Nashville Predators
Detroit Red Wings
New Jersey Devils
Chicago Blackhawks
NHL Draft 98th overall, 2001
Nashville Predators
Playing career 2003–2018

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]

Playing career
Tootoo in 2010 with Nashville

Nashville Predators

Tootoo was 13 years old when he moved from Rankin Inlet to go play Bantam AAA hockey in Spruce Grove, Alberta.[5] The Brandon Wheat Kings selected him in the 3rd round of the 1998 WHL Bantam Draft. Tootoo played for the Wheat Kings in the Western Hockey League (WHL) from 1999 to 2003 and was selected 98th overall[6] in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft as the sixth choice of the Nashville Predators. He became the first player of Inuit descent to play in a regular-season NHL game when he suited up against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim on Opening Night October 9, 2003. He was also the first person of Inuit descent to be drafted by an NHL team. Tootoo wears the number '22' as a play on words of his name.[2]

Tootoo got his first NHL point with an assist on a Dan Hamhuis goal against the St. Louis Blues on October 16, 2003 and scored his first NHL goal against the Atlanta Thrashers on October 23. Tootoo has also earned two "Gordie Howe hat tricks"—on January 10, 2004, and December 8, 2007—when he notched a goal, an assist, and a fighting major in each game.

He spent the 2005–06 season between the Nashville Predators and the Predators' minor league affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, where he played during the 2004–05 NHL lockout. On July 21, 2006, he was re-signed by the Predators to a two-year contract. On January 31, 2008, he was re-signed to another two-year contract extension.

Tootoo scored his first playoff goal on April 10, 2008, against the Detroit Red Wings in the second period of Game 1 of the 2008 Western Conference Quarter Finals in a 3–1 loss.

Tootoo currently holds the franchise record for total penalty minutes (725) with Nashville. Over his 486 games with the Predators, Tootoo recorded 46 goals and 79 assists for a combined total of 125 points during his eight years (2003—2012) with the Predators.[7]

On February 2, 2019, the Nashville Predators held Jordin Tootoo Night at Bridgestone Arena, hosting the Dallas Stars. Tootoo spoke with the media and participated in the pregame puck drop.[8]

Detroit Red Wings
Tootoo warming up during the 2012–13 NHL season

Tootoo was designated an unrestricted free agent after the 2011–12 season. He signed a three-year, $5.7 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings, Nashville's Central Division rival on July 1, 2012.[9] He scored his first goal as a Red Wing against his former team, the Predators on February 19, 2013.

On June 18, 2014, the Red Wings placed Tootoo on unconditional waivers for the purpose of a compliance buyout.[10]

New Jersey Devils

Tootoo attended the training camp for the New Jersey Devils on a tryout basis and signed a one-year contract with the team on October 7, 2014. He played with the team for 68 games during the 2014–15 season. He scored 10 goals, had 5 assists, and sat for 72 PIM ranking 55th most penalty points in the NHL. On May 8, 2015, he was re-signed to a second one-year $825,000 contract.

Chicago Blackhawks and retirement

As a free agent on July 5, 2016, Tootoo left the Devils to sign a one-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks.[11] On February 28, 2017, Chicago agreed to extend Tootoo's contract through the 2017–2018 season.[12] In his year with the Chicago Blackhawks, he has been nursing an upper body injury and placed on long term injury reserve which has resulted in him being waived in November 2017.[13]

On October 19, 2018, Tootoo retired from hockey after playing 723 NHL games. Despite his retirement, Tootoo said he plans to "continue to work to enhance life for Native children who are suffering."[14]

Suspensions and disciplinary issues

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

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 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]

On December 27, 2010, Tootoo voluntarily entered the NHL/NHLPA's Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program to receive treatment for an alcohol problem.[26] 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.[27]

In 2013 Stephen Brunt mentioned on radio that he was working on a book with Tootoo.[28] The book was published on October 21, 2014, entitled All The Way: My Life on Ice.[29]

Team Tootoo Foundation

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.[30] 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.[31]

International play
Medal record
Representing
Ice hockey
World Junior Championships
2003 Canada

Tootoo represented Canada at the 2003 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he recorded two goals and one assist in six games, and won a silver medal.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GPGAPtsPIM GPGAPtsPIM
1997-98 Spruce Grove Broncos U15 AMBHL 34201030149 —————
1998–99 OCN Blizzard MJHL 47162137251 —————
1999–00 Brandon Wheat Kings WHL 4561016214 —————
2000–01 Brandon Wheat Kings WHL 60202848172 624618
2001–02 Brandon Wheat Kings WHL 64323971272 1643758
2002–03 Brandon Wheat Kings WHL 51353974216 1763949
2003–04 Nashville Predators NHL 70448137 50004
2004–05 Milwaukee Admirals AHL 59101222266 600041
2005–06 Nashville Predators NHL 34461055 30000
2005–06 Milwaukee Admirals AHL 41131427133 15921135
2006–07 Nashville Predators NHL 65369116 401121
2007–08 Nashville Predators NHL 6311718100 62024
2008–09 Nashville Predators NHL 7241216124 —————
2009–10 Nashville Predators NHL 516101640 60112
2010–11 Nashville Predators NHL 548101861 1215628
2011–12 Nashville Predators NHL 776243092 30004
2012–13 Detroit Red Wings NHL 4235878 10002
2013–14 Grand Rapids Griffins AHL 5161218104 40114
2013–14 Detroit Red Wings NHL 110115 —————
2014–15 New Jersey Devils NHL 681051572 —————
2015–16 New Jersey Devils NHL 66459102 —————
2016–17 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 5021328 20000
NHL totals 72365961611010 42371065

International
Year Team Event Result   GP G A Pts PIM
2003 Canada WJC 6 2 1 3 4
Junior totals 6 2 1 3 4

Awards

See also

References
  1. "Government of Nunavut Hansard" (PDF). Retrieved 2011-11-14.
  2. Murphy, Kirsten (June 6, 2003). "Number 22 is number one with Nunavummiut". Nunatsiaq News. Archived from the original on 2006-11-21. Retrieved 2007-03-19.
  3. "Jordin Tootoo Stats and News". NHL.com. Retrieved 2017-03-23.
  4. @Jtootoo22 (October 19, 2018). "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. @NHLBlackhawks @PredsNHL @NJDevils @DetroitRedWings @bdnwheatkings" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  5. https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/brothers-death-fails-to-stop-rising-star/article1028771/
  6. Allen, Kevin (July 22, 2003). "Skating across cultural gap". USA Today. Retrieved 2016-07-05.
  7. "Jordin Tootoo Stats". Hockey-Reference.com. Retrieved 2019-02-02.
  8. "Watch live: Jordin Tootoo speaking before Preds celebrate 'Jordin Tootoo Night'". The Tennessean. Retrieved 2019-02-02.
  9. Roose, Bill (July 1, 2012). "Wings add grit with Tootoo deal". Detroit Red Wings. Retrieved 2016-07-05.
  10. Roose, Bill (June 18, 2014). "Red Wings place Tootoo on waivers". NHL.com. Retrieved June 18, 2014.
  11. "Blackhawks agree to terms with Jordin Tootoo". Chicago Blackhawks. 2016-07-05. Retrieved 2016-07-05.
  12. Hine, Chris. "Blackhawks sign Michal Rozsival, Jordin Tootoo to contract extensions". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
  13. "Blackhawks' Jordin Tootoo: Placed on waivers". CBSSports.com. Retrieved 2018-03-23.
  14. "'I owe my life to this game': Jordin Tootoo retiring from NHL". cbc.ca. October 19, 2018. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  15. McKenzie, Bob (October 12, 2007). "Head-hunter pays the price". TSN. Archived from the original on October 18, 2007. Retrieved 2007-10-12.
  16. "Jordin Tootoo suspended 2 games". ESPN. December 6, 2011. Retrieved 2014-03-13.
  17. Gretz, Adam (February 22, 2013). "Derek Dorsett wants Jordin Tootoo suspended, calls him irrelevant". CBS Sports. Retrieved 2014-03-13.
  19. D'Souza, Patricia (September 6, 2002). "Rankin Inlet hockey player found dead in Manitoba". Nunatsiaq News. Archived from the original on January 17, 2010. Retrieved 2016-07-05.
  20. "kalluk". Asuilaak Living Dictionary. Retrieved 2007-11-17.
  21. Redekop, Bill (January 31, 2013). "Wild speculation, mounting fear and locked doors follow double homicide In Ethelbert". Winnipeg Free Press.
  22. Lapointe, Joe (November 15, 2003). "HOCKEY; It's a Long Way Down to Nashville". The New York Times. Retrieved 2016-07-05.
  23. "Jordin Tootoo details journey to NHL and battles with alcohol in new biography". Montreal Gazette. 2014-10-31. Retrieved 2018-03-23.
  24. "Poster Takes Jordin Tootoo Inspiration Beyond Hockey". Government of Nunavut. October 7, 2003. Archived from the original on October 16, 2003.
  25. "Profile: Who is Jordin Tootoo?". In Depth: Aboriginal Canadians. CBC News Online. November 17, 2005. Archived from the original on May 13, 2013. Retrieved 2016-07-05.
  26. "Now that's a role model". Lethbridge Herald. January 7, 2011. Archived from the original on February 17, 2011.
  27. "NunatsiaqOnline 2012-12-07: NEWS: Jordin Tootoo heads home to host big Kivalliq hockey camp". www.nunatsiaqonline.ca. Retrieved 2017-03-23.
  28. "Why fighting in hockey has to stay". GoBardown. November 5, 2013. Archived from the original on December 5, 2014.
  29. Tootoo, Jordin (2014-10-21). All the Way: My Life On Ice. Viking. ISBN 9780670067626.
  30. "Jordin Tootoo nominated for NHL Foundation Player Award". CBC News. Retrieved 2018-03-23.
  31. "Jordin Tootoo nominated for NHL Foundation Player Award". CBC News. Retrieved 2017-03-23.
  32. "Jordin Tootoo, Youth". National Aboriginal Achievement Awards. 2002. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007.
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