Jordin Tootoo

Inuit (Rankin Inlet) · athletes

Jordin Tootoo (born February 2, 1983) is an Inuk from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, who made history as the first Inuk to play in the National Hockey League. His middle name, Kudluk, means "thunder" in Inuktitut. Drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2001, Tootoo played 13 NHL seasons with the Predators, Detroit Red Wings, and New Jersey Devils, known for his fearless physical style and fighting spirit. He overcame personal tragedy — his older brother Terence died by suicide — and battled alcohol addiction, openly sharing his recovery story to help other Indigenous youth. Tootoo wrote the memoir "All the Way: My Life on Ice" and has become a powerful advocate for mental health awareness in Indigenous communities across Canada.