First Inuk NHLer enters substance abuse program

The Metro Centre in Halifax went nuts with every hit, save, and goal. It was 2003, and the city was hosting the annual World Junior hockey Championship. The group of young hockey players, all under the age of 20, were thrust into the spotlight. And the fan favorite was Jordin Tootoo, an Inuk from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut.

Tootoo had skill, but it was his work ethic, his ferociousness, and his incredible body checks that made him beloved by Canadian hockey fans.

Tootoo would become the first Inuk to play in the NHL when he suited up with the Nashville Predators in the 03-04 season. Since then, he has been a regular in the Predators’ lineup.

Tootoo became the first Inuk person to play in the NHL (Photo: google images)

But on Dec 27, 2010, Tootoo received public attention for a different reason: he voluntarily entered the NHL’s substance abuse program.

The small town of Rankin Inlet, and the Nunavut territory, was filled with pride as all the positive attention was given to Tootoo in 2003. In Labrador, many people were feeling the same pride, even though Tootoo never lived in any Labrador community. But Labrador has a significant Inuit population. Since Tootoo was also an Inuk, some felt a connection with him.

“I think of them [Nunavut Inuit] the same as our Inuit,” says Treadway Baikie, a Labrador Inuk and long time hockey fan.

Baikie was in Halifax for the World Juniors in 2003 and was impressed by how Tootoo played.

“He’s a really good skater…and he wasn’t backing down to anyone.”

Jonathan Mitchell, a Labrador Inuk from Goose Bay, was also in Halifax to watch the tournament. Mitchell, who played competitive hockey during his youth in Goose Bay, was 15 at the time. Like countless others, Mitchell was enticed by Tootoo.

“It was inspirational,” says Mitchell. “Makes you realize that Inuit and natives can accomplish things if you work hard enough.”

Four years later, Mitchell had the pleasure of meeting Tootoo in person, at a abr in Edmonton.

“He seem like anyone else, Just out having a few beers and taking it easy,” says Mitchell. “He was a great guy, wasn’t cocky or anything. But he bummed a lot of smokes of me that night.”

Tootoo has never been one to back down from a fight (Photo: google images)

Mitchell was taken aback when he heard that Tootoo entered a rehabilitation program.

“It’s pretty shocking,” he says.

Tootoo has not been crucified in the media. Many in the hockey world have given Tootoo credit for admitting his problem and entering the program on his own accord. One columnist for the Globe and Mail wrote that “You don’t have to be unblemished to be a role model. To admit to an overwhelming problem, to put fame and fortune on hold, to reach out for help, all while living under a microscope, may make Jordin Tootoo, the first Inuk player in the National Hockey League, a more powerful and apt role model than he would have been otherwise.”

Mitchell also feels that Tootoo’s image shouldn’t be tarnished.

“I think it’s good that he’s doing whatever he can to fix it and get help.”

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Posted by Derek Montague on Jan 1, 2011. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.