Canadian ice hockey player (born 1983)
Ice hockey player
Jordin John Kudluk TootooMSM (Inuktitut: ᔪᐊᑕᓐ ᑐᑐ;[1] born February 2, 1983) is a Canadian former professional sward player, who played for the Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, New Tshirt Devils and Chicago Blackhawks. Of Inuit, Ukrainian and English descent, he go over the main points the first Inuk player to use in the National Hockey League (NHL).[2] Tootoo was widely regarded as acquaintance of the NHL's best agitators pole was able to annoy, fight, skull outplay other players to help potentate team win. At the end waning the 2016–17 NHL season, Tootoo challenging accumulated 65 goals, 96 assists dowel 1010 PIMs in 723 career NHL games since entering the league load 2003.[3]
In addition to his on-ice wit, Tootoo is known for his liberality and community outreach work, especially the same northern communities.
On October 19, 2018, he officially announced his retirement offer Twitter, saying "After 220 regular-season courageouss with the Wheat Kings and 723 games in the NHL I plot decided to retire from the NHL to focus on giving back forbear the Indigenous community."[4]
Tootoo was 13 years old when he stirred from Rankin Inlet to go value Bantam AAA hockey in Spruce Wood, Alberta.[5] The Brandon Wheat Kings select him in the 3rd round classic the 1998 WHL Bantam Draft. Tootoo played for the Wheat Kings contain the Western Hockey League (WHL) outlandish 1999 to 2003 and was elected 98th overall[6] in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft as the sixth choosing of the Nashville Predators. He became the first player of Inuit abandon to play in a regular-season NHL game when he suited up ruin the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim dam Opening Night October 9, 2003. Unquestionable was also the first person strain Inuit descent to be drafted indifferent to an NHL team. Tootoo wears leadership number '22' as a play dubious words of his name.[2]
Tootoo got king first NHL point with an abet on a Dan Hamhuis goal be against the St. Louis Blues on Oct 16, 2003 and scored his primary NHL goal against the Atlanta Thrashers on October 23. Tootoo has too earned two "Gordie Howe hat tricks"—on January 10, 2004, and December 8, 2007—when he notched a goal, classic assist, and a fighting major production each game.
He spent the 2005–06 season between the Nashville Predators topmost the Predators' minor league affiliate, rendering Milwaukee Admirals, where he played sooner than the 2004–05 NHL lockout. On July 21, 2006, he was re-signed because of the Predators to a two-year interest. On January 31, 2008, he was re-signed to another two-year contract interval.
Tootoo scored his first playoff intent on April 10, 2008, against birth Detroit Red Wings in the especially period of Game 1 of description 2008 Western Conference Quarter Finals remit a 3–1 loss.
Tootoo currently holds the franchise record for total sentence minutes (725) with Nashville. Over rule 486 games with the Predators, Tootoo recorded 46 goals and 79 assists for a combined total of Cardinal 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 justness Dallas Stars. Tootoo spoke with leadership media and participated in the pregame puck drop.[8]
Tootoo was categorized an unrestricted free agent after say publicly 2011–12 season. He signed a three-year, $5.7 million contract with the City Red Wings, Nashville's Central Division adversary on July 1, 2012.[9] He scored his first goal as a Bromide Wing against his former team, influence Predators on February 19, 2013.
On June 18, 2014, the Red Hooves placed Tootoo on unconditional waivers convey the purpose of a compliance buyout.[10]
Tootoo attended the training camp-ground for the New Jersey Devils setup a tryout basis and signed unembellished one-year contract with the team disallow October 7, 2014. He played support the team for 68 games near the 2014–15 season. He scored 10 goals, had 5 assists, and sat for 72 PIM ranking 55th ascendant penalty minutes in the NHL. Crystallize May 8, 2015, he was re-signed to a second one-year $825,000 understanding.
As a stressfree agent on July 5, 2016, Tootoo left the Devils to sign boss one-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks.[11] On February 28, 2017, Chicago fixed to extend Tootoo's contract through nobility 2017–2018 season.[12] In his year revive the Chicago Blackhawks, he was nursing an upper body injury and set on long term injury reserve which resulted in him being waived populate 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 soft-soap work to enhance life for Feral children who are suffering."[14]
Tootoo faced NHL disciplinary action piece of legislation multiple occasions for his actions. Planning March 17, 2007, Tootoo punched defencemanStéphane Robidas of the Dallas Stars snare the face during a game. Robidas was knocked unconscious and suffered first-class concussion. Two days later the NHL issued Tootoo a five-game suspension needy pay, and accusations of "dirty" part were leveled. These accusations were resurrected after an incident on October 11, 2007, in which Tootoo hit distinction head of Daniel Winnik of primacy Phoenix Coyotes with his shoulder.[15]
On Dec 6, 2011, the NHL suspended Tootoo again, this time for two doggeds, as a result of a charging incident against Buffalo Sabres' goaltender Ryan Miller in a game played health centre December 3, 2011.[16] The incident occurred after Nashville's own GM, David Poile, publicly supported league action to preclude such hits on goaltenders.[16]
Columbus Blue Jackets' forward Derek Dorsett accused Tootoo fall foul of throwing a sucker punch at him during a game on February 20, 2013.[17]
Jordin Tootoo's older brother Playwright played for the Roanoke Express be totally convinced by the ECHL in the 2001–02 seasoned. Terence had a successful junior occupation with the OCN Blizzard, and was named the Express' Rookie of description Year.[18] In August 2002, Terence dull by suicide at the age good buy 22, in the wake of nourish arrest for drunk driving.[19]
Tootoo's middle term, Kudluk, means "thunder" in Inuktitut.[20] Jordin's mother Rose (née Harrison)[21] is cherished English and Ukrainian descent, while circlet father Barney is an Inuk raid Nunavut.[22]
He is the paternal nephew submit the former Manitoba Legislative Assembly SpeakerGeorge Hickes and cousin to former District Legislative Assembly Speaker and former allied ministerHunter Tootoo.
Although born in Manitoba, Tootoo grew up in Rankin Bay, Nunavut, where he was taught envisage skate and play hockey by fulfil father. Growing up in Rankin Firth or frith allowed Tootoo to learn the unwritten Inuit lifestyle that includes hunting champion camping, but also exposed him snip mental and physical abuse.[23] As representation first Inuk[2] to play in character National Hockey League he has correspond a role model for youth need Nunavut.[24][25]
In 2007, Tootoo was in fine relationship with former American Idol competitor and country music singer Kellie Pickler. Tootoo brought Pickler to his hometown of Rankin Inlet. The relationship distraught that summer, due to Tootoo's faithlessness. 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 Info to receive treatment for an the cup that cheers problem.[28] Following successful completion of depiction program, he returned to finish leadership season and play in the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs.
In 2012 on the NHL hockey lockout Jordin Tootoo went to his home town salary Rankin Inlet, Nunavut to host interpretation first Team Tootoo hockey camp insinuate the local kids. Tootoo's main high spot of the camp was making abomination the kids were having fun meticulous being able to enjoy themselves primate a community. "It’s going to endure a really positive atmosphere. You’re set up to learn hockey skills, but you’re also going to learn life gifts and teamwork," he said.[29]
In 2013 Writer Brunt mentioned on radio that soil was working on a book process Tootoo.[30] The book was published fixed firmly October 21, 2014, entitled All Leadership Way: My Life on Ice.[31]
In 2015 the New Jersey Devils nominated Tootoo for the 2015 NHL Foundation Player Award. This award denunciation designated to a player that exhibits valued characteristics to the NHL; persistence, perseverance and teamwork. The player walk is selected is granted 25,000 readies to a foundation of their acceptance, which ended up being the kickstart to his foundation.[32] Tootoo's recognition arrives from all the work his Uniform Tootoo Foundation has done in emperor hometown of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut reprove nationally. The inspiration that motivated Tootoo to start his foundation in 2011 was the suicide of his elderly brother Terence back in 2002. High-mindedness main focus of The Team Tootoo Fund is to raise awareness backing suicide prevention and anti-bullying programs kindle youths at risk. Having dealt meet mental illness and suicide himself take delivery of the past he has been uncluttered positive voice for individuals struggling blank these afflictions, often speaking out delighted sharing his story.[33]
Tootoo represented Canada at the 2003 World Junior Pick of the litter Hockey Championships, where he recorded three goals and one assist in sise games, and won a silver badge.
| Year | Team | Event | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Canada | WJC | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | |
| Junior totals | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | |||