Meet Jordin Tootoo: Fearless on the Ice, Relentless in Life

Raised in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut — a small Arctic community of about 3,000 people on the western shores of Hudson Bay, one of the largest bays in the world — Jordin John Kudluk Tootoo (Kudluk meaning “thunder” in Inuktitut) grew up where hockey wasn’t just a sport. It was a way to endure long winters, a source of cultural pride, and the proving ground where his fearless style was forged.

Tootoo made history as the first Inuk player in the NHL, breaking barriers and carrying the hopes of his community onto the world stage. Over a 14-year career with the Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, and Chicago Blackhawks, he became known for his explosive hits, relentless hustle, and unshakable presence. Across 723 games, he recorded 65 goals, 96 assists, and 1,010 penalty minutes, proving that his impact went far beyond the score sheet.

But Tootoo’s story is about more than hockey. After the devastating loss of his brother Terence to suicide, he faced his own battles with addiction and grief. Instead of letting those struggles define him, he turned them into fuel for change. In his raw and candid memoir, All the Way: My Life on Ice, Tootoo shares his journey of resilience, identity, and the fight to rise above life’s hardest moments — making it one of the most powerful hockey autobiographies in recent years.

Off the ice, Tootoo has committed himself to giving back. In 2011, he founded the Team Tootoo Fund, dedicated to supporting suicide prevention and youth mental health, particularly in Indigenous communities across Canada. His advocacy and leadership have earned him widespread recognition, including a nomination for the NHL Foundation Player Award and Canada’s Meritorious Service Medal.

Today, Jordin Tootoo stands not only as a trailblazer in sport, but as a voice for healing, resilience, and cultural pride. His story is proof that greatness isn’t about where you come from — it’s about the courage to keep moving forward.

AGNB honors Jordin Tootoo because his life embodies our ethos: fearless on the ice, relentless in life, and always All Gas No Brakes…

 

Note: This AGNB Spotlight is a tribute to Jordin Tootoo’s inspiring career and impact. Jordin Tootoo is not affiliated with, does not endorse, and has no promotional partnership with All Gas No Brakes Supplements.