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KANGIQLINIQ/RANKIN INLET
Pride filled the voices of Rose and Barney Tootoo of Rankin Inlet as they spoke of their son, Jordin, being nominated for the NHL's Bill Masterton Memorial trophy this past week.

Jordin Tootoo of Rankin Inlet has been nominated for the NHL's Bill Masterton Memorial trophy. - NNSL file photo

The nomination was announced earlier this month.

The Masterton trophy is presented each year to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Jordin, of the Nashville Predators, was nominated for the award by the Nashville chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.

Now 28, Jordin attended alcohol-addiction counselling from late December 2010 through mid-February 2011.

Rose said she was pretty excited when she heard the news of Jordin's nomination.

She said she hopes her son wins the award because he truly deserves it for his efforts.

"It takes a lot of courage to do what Jordin did, so we're very proud of him," said Rose.

"We've all got our fingers crossed for him to win the award because he went through an awful lot for awhile there."

Rose said her son continues to do well, and everyone sees such a positive change in him since he improved his lifestyle.

She said Jordin's all grown up now and she's very happy he stopped to think about things and turned his life around.

"We were all so proud of Jordin when he confronted his problem, but it was a difficult time.

"There was a lot written and said on TV about it, and when I learned he had his first drink when he was 14 or 15 years old, that made my heart sink to the bottom.

"No mother wants to hear that.

"My God, you're still going to school for heaven's sakes and your mind should be on your school work at that age, not having your first drink.

"Maybe we, as parents, were laid back too much, but everybody hits a brick wall in their life and I'm just happy our son had the courage to make it a positive in his life."

Rose said her son knows she and Barney are always there if he needs them.

But, she said, there's still times she worries Jordin will take another drink.

"I'm a mother, and mothers worry, so it's always in the back of mind that I hope he never starts again.

"But it's his life and the decisions are his to make.

"He's in love now too, so, hopefully, he'll stay away from it."

Barney said while he was very surprised to hear the news about the nomination, he was also very, very proud.

He said the nomination was, no doubt, a big lift for Jordin after all he's been through.

"It's very important for anyone to know they have support when they're tackling something like Jordin did, so I imagine he's very happy to have his efforts recognized after what he went through.

"I'm just so happy for Jordin to be able to carry on the way he is right now.

"He's a changed boy and, being my own boy, it sure makes me proud to be part of what he's doing.

"That's the most I can say, is that I'm just so happy for him."

Barney said a number of NHL players have told Jordin they respect what he's doing.

He said the biggest thing anyone can have during such times are the love and support of those around them.

"Jordin knows he's not standing there by himself.

"He knows we're behind him 100 per cent and, I'm pretty sure, most of Nunavut stands behind him as well.

"He's got good support in Nashville and here at home, so, hopefully, everything will keep going well for him.

"I'm sure everyone else nominated for this award is deserving of it, but we'll be cheering for him when they make their choice because I know he really deserves it."

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