Linkages 2026 All The Way: My Life on Ice, Jordin Tootoo

Jordin Tootoo made history as the first Inuk player to be drafted by the NHL. Over his 13-year career, he played for the Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, and Chicago Blackhawks, banking 161 points, including 65 goals, in 723 career games. A trailblazer both on and off the ice, Tootoo has since become a vocal mental health advocate dedicated to giving back to his communities. He delivers a powerful message about resilience and overcoming challenges and adversity to reach our dreams.

Tootoo is the bestselling author of All the Way: My Life on Ice, a searing, honest look at the tragic loss of his brother and his ensuing battle with alcoholism, and Mind Over Matter: Hard- Won Battles on the Road to Hope. He is also the co-founder of the Team Tootoo Foundation with his wife, Jennifer, and in 2016 was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal through the Order of Canada in recognition of his work.

As a keynote speaker, Tootoo openly shares his journey from rising star and fan favourite to losing it all, including his addiction and fight to claim sobriety. This is the story of family, mentors, and tragedy, and one man’s journey to understand how his past struggles gave him the strength to find his own truth.