Jordin Tootoo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jordin Tootoo ᔪᐊᑕᓐ ᑐᑐ
Tootoo with the New Jersey Devils in 2014
Born	(1983-02-02) February 2, 1983 (age 42) 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	2003–2017

Jordin John Kudluk Tootoo MSM (Inuktitut: ᔪᐊᑕᓐ ᑐᑐ; born February 2, 1983) is a Canadian former professional hockey player. He played for the Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, and Chicago Blackhawks. Jordin is part Inuit, Ukrainian, and English. He is famous for being the first Inuk player to play in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Tootoo was known as a tough player who could annoy opponents, fight, and play well to help his team win. By the end of the 2016–17 NHL season, he had scored 65 goals and made 96 assists in 723 NHL games.

Beyond hockey, Tootoo is known for his amazing charity work. He helps communities, especially in Canada's northern areas. On October 19, 2018, he announced his retirement. He said he wanted to focus on helping Indigenous communities.

Jordin Tootoo's Hockey Journey

Tootoo in 2010 with Nashville

Starting in Hockey

Jordin Tootoo was 13 when he moved from Rankin Inlet to play Bantam AAA hockey in Spruce Grove, Alberta. The Brandon Wheat Kings picked him in the 1998 WHL Bantam Draft. He played for the Wheat Kings in the Western Hockey League (WHL) from 1999 to 2003.

In the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, the Nashville Predators chose him 98th overall. This made him the first person of Inuit descent ever drafted by an NHL team. On October 9, 2003, he became the first Inuk player to play in a regular NHL game. He wore the number '22' as a fun way to say his last name.

Time with the Nashville Predators

Tootoo got his first NHL point on October 16, 2003, helping with a goal. He scored his first NHL goal on October 23. He even achieved two "Gordie Howe hat tricks." This means he scored a goal, made an assist, and had a fight in the same game.

He spent the 2005–06 NHL season playing for both the Nashville Predators and their minor league team, the Milwaukee Admirals. He signed new contracts with the Predators in 2006 and 2008.

Tootoo scored his first playoff goal on April 10, 2008, against the Detroit Red Wings. He holds the record for the most penalty minutes (725) for the Nashville Predators. In his eight years with the team (2003-2012), he played 486 games, scoring 46 goals and 79 assists.

On February 2, 2019, the Nashville Predators held "Jordin Tootoo Night" to honor him. He spoke to the media and took part in the pre-game puck drop.

Playing for Other Teams

Tootoo warming up during the 2012–13 NHL season

After the 2011–12 season, Tootoo became a free agent. He signed a three-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings on July 1, 2012. He scored his first goal as a Red Wing against his old team, the Predators, on February 19, 2013.

In 2014, the Red Wings decided to let him go. Tootoo then tried out for the New Jersey Devils and signed a one-year contract on October 7, 2014. He played 68 games with them in the 2014–15 season, scoring 10 goals and 5 assists. He signed another contract with the Devils in 2015.

On July 5, 2016, Tootoo signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. His contract was extended in February 2017. He was later placed on injury reserve in November 2017 due to an upper body injury.

On October 19, 2018, Jordin Tootoo officially retired from hockey. He played 723 NHL games in total. Even after retiring, Tootoo said he would keep working to improve life for Native children who are struggling.

Jordin Tootoo's Personal Life

Jordin Tootoo's middle name, Kudluk, means "thunder" in Inuktitut. His mother, Rose, is of English and Ukrainian descent. His father, Barney, is an Inuk from Nunavut.

He is also related to important people in politics. His uncle, George Hickes, was a Speaker in Manitoba's government. His cousin, Hunter Tootoo, was a Speaker in Nunavut's government and a federal minister.

Even though he was born in Manitoba, Tootoo grew up in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. His father taught him how to skate and play hockey there. Growing up in Rankin Inlet, he learned traditional Inuit ways of life, like hunting and camping. As the first Inuk to play in the National Hockey League, he became a great role model for young people in Nunavut.

Jordin's older brother, Terence, also played hockey. Terence had a successful junior career but sadly passed away in August 2002 at age 22.

In 2012, during an NHL hockey break, Jordin Tootoo went back to Rankin Inlet. He hosted the first "Team Tootoo hockey camp" for local kids. His main goal was to make sure the kids had fun and enjoyed being part of a community. He said, "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."

In 2014, Jordin Tootoo released a book about his life called All The Way: My Life on Ice.

Team Tootoo Foundation

In 2015, the New Jersey Devils nominated Tootoo for the 2015 NHL Foundation Player Award. This award goes to a player who shows great commitment, perseverance, and teamwork. The winner gets $25,000 for a charity of their choice. This money helped start his foundation.

Tootoo was recognized for all the work his Team Tootoo Foundation has done. It helps his hometown of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, and other places across Canada. The idea for his foundation came from the sad passing of his older brother, Terence, in 2002.

The main goal of The Team Tootoo Fund is to raise awareness about suicide prevention and anti-bullying programs for young people who are at risk. Jordin has faced challenges with mental health himself. He uses his experiences to be a positive voice for others who are struggling, often sharing his story to help.

International Play

Medal record
Representing
Ice hockey
World Junior Championships
Silver	2003 Canada

Tootoo played for Canada at the 2003 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He scored two goals and had one assist in six games. His team won a silver medal at the event.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International

Awards and Honors

• Rookie of the Year, Most Popular Player, and Scholastic Player of the Year 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.
• Had the 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.
• WHL East First All-Star Team, 2003.
• Meritorious Service Medal (Canada), 2017.

See also

• Notable Aboriginal people of Canada