Tootoo made it in time to help his dad, Barney, celebrate his birthday, and then got down to shaking off the rigours of another NHL season in Nashville and enjoying time with his family and friends.

Jordin Tootoo relaxes with a hot beverage while waiting for the big one to hit during the Rankin Inlet Fishing Derby this past month. - photo courtesy of Rose Tootoo

Tootoo said he enjoys coming home to Rankin every summer as much as he always has, but wouldn't mind coming home a little later next year.

He said this is the time of year every NHLer still wants to be on the ice.

"We play to win the Stanley Cup and the playoffs are the best time of year for hockey players," said Tootoo.

"It doesn't matter if you go to the dance as the first seed or the eighth seed because it's a whole new season and every team has a shot.

"But, it is great to be home to visit with the family, spend time with the kids and be out on the land.

"I've been spending a lot of time on the land, as you can see by how beat up my face is, but that's OK because I'm used to being beat up."

Tootoo said it's a lot easier to get out of shape than it is to get back in shape, but that doesn't stop him from enjoying his time in Rankin.

He said all his aches and pains from the season are starting to heal up and that's what the off-season is for.

"It's nice to let my body wind down and enjoy a little time off.

"It's relaxing for me to enjoy hunting and fishing, and do a little travelling around Nunavut while I'm home."

Tootoo said one his favourite things about returning to Rankin is getting the chance to just be himself again.

He said when he left Nashville, all he packed was a carry-on bag with a couple of pairs of jeans and shirts - and one suit just in case.

"Fashion is a big thing down south, but I enjoy coming home where I can wear my sweat pants and borrow my dad's clothes once in awhile.

"Sometimes the legs are a little too short, but I manage to throw them on with a pair of rubber boots and it feels great to be comfortable like that again.

"I can just be me in Rankin, the guy who grew up here and enjoys the company of his family and friends."

Tootoo said he's pleased with some of the differences he sees in Rankin when he returns every year.

He said there's a higher emphasis on education and career training now and that's good for the community.

"I see a real spark in the eyes of many of the kids in Rankin now, when it comes to wanting to try new things and get out into the world and experience what's out there.

"Obviously it's a learning experience that takes time, no matter what profession you choose.

"You have to be confident in yourself and willing to work hard to realize your goals and then the sky's the limit.

"There's far more youth now looking towards bigger and better things and it makes me happy to see that."

Tootoo talks hockey in next week's edition, including his wishes for a long and prosperous hockey career for Alexander Radulov - in Russia!