Jordin Tootoo

Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox ice hockey playerTemplate:Contains special charactersJordin John Kudluk Tootoo Template:Post-nominals (Template:Langx;<ref name=hansard>Template:Cite web</ref> 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).<ref name="nn">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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."<ref name = "retire">Template:Cite tweet</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 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<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name="nn"/>

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"Template:Emdashon January 10, 2004, and December 8, 2007Template:Emdashwhen 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref name="NHL">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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 minutes 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On February 28, 2017, Chicago agreed to extend Tootoo's contract through the 2017–2018 season.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In his year with the Chicago Blackhawks, he was nursing an upper body injury and placed on long term injury reserve which resulted in him being waived in November 2017.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

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."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref name="Winnik">Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref name="suspension_miller">Template:Cite web</ref> The incident occurred after Nashville's own GM, David Poile, publicly supported league action to prevent such hits on goaltenders.<ref name="suspension_miller"/>

Columbus Blue Jackets' forward Derek Dorsett accused Tootoo of throwing a sucker punch at him during a game on February 20, 2013.<ref name="cbc02222013">Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In August 2002, Terence died by suicide at the age of 22, in the wake of an arrest for drunk driving.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Tootoo's middle name, Kudluk, means "thunder" in Inuktitut.<ref name=livingdict>Template:Cite web</ref> Jordin's mother Rose (née Harrison)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> is of English and Ukrainian descent, while his father Barney is an Inuk from Nunavut.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> As the first Inuk<ref name="nn" /> to play in the National Hockey League he has become a role model for youth in Nunavut.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web </ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On December 27, 2010, Tootoo voluntarily entered the NHL/NHLPA's Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program to receive treatment for an alcohol problem.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2013 Stephen Brunt mentioned on radio that he was working on a book with Tootoo.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The book was published on October 21, 2014, entitled All The Way: My Life on Ice.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

International play

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		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1997–98	Spruce Grove Broncos AAA	AMBHL		34	20	10	30	149		—	—	—	—	—
1998–99	OCN Blizzard	MJHL		47	16	21	37	251		—	—	—	—	—
1999–2000	Brandon Wheat Kings	WHL		45	6	10	16	214		—	—	—	—	—
2000–01	Brandon Wheat Kings	WHL		60	20	28	48	172		6	2	4	6	18
2001–02	Brandon Wheat Kings	WHL		64	32	39	71	272		16	4	3	7	58
2002–03	Brandon Wheat Kings	WHL		51	35	39	74	216		17	6	3	9	49
2003–04	Nashville Predators	NHL		70	4	4	8	137		5	0	0	0	4
2004–05	Milwaukee Admirals	AHL		59	10	12	22	266		6	0	0	0	41
2005–06	Nashville Predators	NHL		34	4	6	10	55		3	0	0	0	0
2005–06	Milwaukee Admirals	AHL		41	13	14	27	133		15	9	2	11	35
2006–07	Nashville Predators	NHL		65	3	6	9	116		4	0	1	1	21
2007–08	Nashville Predators	NHL		63	11	7	18	100		6	2	0	2	4
2008–09	Nashville Predators	NHL		72	4	12	16	124		—	—	—	—	—
2009–10	Nashville Predators	NHL		51	6	10	16	40		6	0	1	1	2
2010–11	Nashville Predators	NHL		54	8	10	18	61		12	1	5	6	28
2011–12	Nashville Predators	NHL		77	6	24	30	92		3	0	0	0	4
2012–13	Detroit Red Wings	NHL		42	3	5	8	78		1	0	0	0	2
2013–14	Grand Rapids Griffins	AHL		51	6	12	18	104		4	0	1	1	4
2013–14	Detroit Red Wings	NHL		11	0	1	1	5		—	—	—	—	—
2014–15	New Jersey Devils	NHL		68	10	5	15	72		—	—	—	—	—
2015–16	New Jersey Devils	NHL		66	4	5	9	102		—	—	—	—	—
2016–17	Chicago Blackhawks	NHL		50	2	1	3	28		2	0	0	0	0
NHL totals				723	65	96	161	1010		42	3	7	10	65

International

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

Awards

• Rookie of the Year, Most Popular Player, and Scholastic Player of the Year honours with the OCN Blizzard in 1998–99.
• Nominated as Manitoba's Sportsman of the Year for 2000.
• WHL Player of the Month for December, 2001.
• WHL Player of the Week for the week of December 23–30, 2001.
• Played in the 2001 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.
• Hardest shot in the 2001 Top Prospects Skills Evaluation (96.1 mph).
• WHL Player of the Week for the week of November 11–17, 2002.
• National Aboriginal Achievement Award, now the Indspire Awards, 2002 Youth Award.<ref name="NAAA">Template:Cite web</ref>
• WHL East First All-Star Team, 2003
• Meritorious Service Medal (Canada), 2017

See also

• Notable Aboriginal people of Canada

External links

• Template:Official website
• Template:Ice hockey stats