Retired NHL right winger Jordin Tootoo inspires Indigenous community in London – Anishinabek News

LONDON— In late September, an audience gathered to hear Jordin Tootoo, retired right winger with National Hockey League (NHL) club the Chicago Blackhawks, speak about his career and life experiences as the first player of Inuk descent to suit up in the NHL.

The speaking engagement was at the 13th Annual Fundraising Breakfast held on behalf of Addictions Recovery Services in London with proceeds to services and programs offered locally. The Doubletree Hotel conference room was packed to capacity with standing room only and the audience listened on as a local drum played an honour song as Tootoo advanced to the podium.

As a youth, Tootoo remembers having lots of everything, but still, he lived in fear; he vividly remembers being yelled at and constantly told he was not good enough. He followed his brother Terence into the world of hockey and together they made history, becoming known as Team Tootoo.

Just before playing with the New Jersey Devils, during the last week of August in 2012, Terence took his own life. His body was found the following day by police search dogs and not long after that, Jordin was drafted to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Read More: https://anishinabeknews.ca/2019/10/07/retired-nhl-right-winger-jordin-tootoo-inspires-indigenous-community-in-london/