Former NHL'er Jordin Tootoo speaking at Friday's Southeastern Teachers' Convention (Photo courtesy of Colton McKee)

By Scott Roblin

Opening Up

NHL veteran Tootoo shares his story of perseverance with local teachers

Feb 21, 2020 | 6:39 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Jordan Tootoo’s career and life path have been long and winding, and on Friday that path led back to Medicine Hat.

Tootoo gave a pair of moving keynote addresses at the 2020 Southeastern Teachers’ Convention, sharing his story of perseverance and inclusivity.

In front of a packed auditorium, Tootoo praised the teacher’s in attendance for the work they do to connect with youth in their communities.

“It takes a lot of courage to be a teacher and I commend them for all the hard work that they’re doing for the future of our kids,” said Tootoo.

The 37-year-old Tootoo played 723 career games at the NHL level, splitting 14 seasons between the Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, and Chicago Blackhawks.

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Hailing from Nunavut, Tootoo became the first Inuk player to make the NHL when he debuted with the Predators in 2003.

His ties to Medicine Hat run deeper than just passing through however, as he used to call the community home in the early 1990s while his father Barney attended Medicine Hat College.

Ironically enough, it was at Medicine Hat College where he took to the stage to deliver his speech.

Although he eventually returned to Nunavut, Tootoo was back in the ‘Gas City’ many times over his WHL career with the Brandon Wheat Kings.

“I don’t quite remember much [of the city],” said Tootoo. “But what I do remember is playing against the Medicine Hat Tigers in the ‘Smarties Arena’ with all those seats. I kind of actually miss that arena. So, a lot of family ties here.”

Tootoo’s speech often touched on subjects like addiction and mental health, as he spent the first seven years of his NHL career battling alcoholism before eventually checking himself into rehab through the league’s substance abuse program.

The scrapper said it took a long time before he was comfortable opening up about his struggles, but has led him to a happier and more fulfilling life with his wife and daughters.

“It’s a process with having those communication lines opened up,” he said. “For me, it took a lot of years to be open and honest. When you’re comfortable and content in your own skin, you’re able to talk about those difficult times in your life.”

Tootoo also touched on his Inuk heritage and many of the misconceptions and stereotypes that he had to deal with both on and off the ice.

“You take your average Canadian and they don’t quite understand the different indigenous cultures out there,” said Tootoo. “It’s just about opening up those books and educating yourself, and for me sharing my experiences as an Inuk.”

Tootoo asked teachers to open their lines of communication with students as a one teacher did with him when he was young, which allowed him to feel safe and accepted in the classroom.