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Jordin Tootoo

October 6, 2006 by Tyler  
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Jordin Tootoo NHL Hockey PlayerJordin Tootoo is bar none the most intense hockey player I have ever seen. This fireplug goes to the wall…nay, through the wall every time he steps on the ice. That could be a reason why the Predators kept a tight hold on him this summer by re-signing him to a two-year deal.

The Nashville Predators knew they were getting a tough kid with a huge heart and a chance to make it when they drafted Tootoo from the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western hockey League. What they didn’t count on was Tootoo making such a huge impression immediately. Why wouldn’t he make an impression in the NHL? He has been making impressions his entire life.

Born on February 2, 1983 in the northern Manitoba town of Churchill to a Ukrainian mother and an Inuit father, Tootoo was raised in the northern Canadian tundra town of Rankin Inlet, NWT (Now Nunavut). Tootoo is a pillar of strength for the town’s youth as a mural of him, covering a wall in the local youth centre, stands as a constant reminder that dreams can come true.

Tootoo was the first Inuk player to be drafted in the National Hockey League when he was selected by Nashville 98th overall in the 2001 entry draft. he then became the first player of Inuit descent to play in a National Hockey League game on October 9, 2003 versus the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.

Tootoo played 70 games for the Nashville Predators in 2003-2004, his first NHL Season, with a heavy heart. He dedicated this season to his older brother Terence who had committed suicide the previous summer in the wake of an arrest for impaired driving. Jordin managed to accumulate four goals and added four assists in his rookie campaign. He also showed his heart and played much bigger than his, 5′9″ 195 lbs, frame by collecting 137 penalty minutes.

Tootoo, known for his toughness and gritty style of play also has a blistering shot that earned him hardest shot honors in 2001 at the top prospects skills camp (96.1 mph).

Tootoo will start this season with the Predators, be sure to admire the intensity of his play. He exudes passion for the sport and is one of hockey’s great competitors.

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5 Comments on "Jordin Tootoo"

  1. National Hockey League Digest » Are Hockey Goons Obsolete? on Thu, 19th Oct 2006 11:45 am 

    [...] The Nashville Predators may have found their happy medium with Jordin Tootoo.  He has the offensive ability and speed to contribute in the new NHL, but is not afraid to mix it up when his name is called.  [...]

  2. Clear Case For The Instigator Penalty | National Hockey League Digest on Thu, 15th Mar 2007 9:35 am 

    [...] In most cases, Nashville spark plug Jordin Tootoo, doesn’t back away from a good fight.  However, when I was looking through some videos for a clear cut case of an instigator penalty, this is one that came up. [...]

  3. NHL Hockey Briefs | National Hockey League Digest on Mon, 19th Mar 2007 8:45 pm 

    [...] Eric McEerlain takes a stand on the Jordin Tootoo sucker punch incident. [...]

  4. Avalanche get Snowballed! | Hockey News | NHL Digest on Fri, 5th Oct 2007 7:50 am 

    [...] then decided to try and spark the team a bit as he scrapped with Tootoo. I’d give the decision to Tootoo but not by much. And unfortunately it [...]

  5. Kelly Hrudey's High Horse | Hockey News | NHL Digest on Mon, 15th Oct 2007 2:02 am 

    [...] of a great game between Vancouver and Edmonton, Hrudey used the intermission to beat his “Jordin Tootoo deserves to be out of the game” [...]

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