RANKIN INLET
Jordin Tootoo will be lacing up his skates for a Stanley Cup contender next season.

Rankin Inlet's Jordin Tootoo signed a one year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 5. - NNSL file photo

Tootoo signed a one-year $750,000-contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on July 5 after becoming an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Tootoo told Kivalliq News that he is thrilled to be joining the likes of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

"It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up," he said, adding that his agent talked with several teams but the Blackhawks were the most interested in his services.

"It's an Original Six team and obviously over the last seven or eight years they've won the Cup three times."

Residents in Rankin were just as excited to hear that Tootoo had landed with the Blackhawks.

"I've been a Blackhawks fan for two years now because of Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and Patrick Kane," said Demitre Alikashuaku, a 16-year-old who was wearing a Blackhawks baseball cap.

He said having Tootoo on the team would give him even more reason to support them.

"It's awesome because he's an Inuk," he said. "It makes me proud."

'Tremendous supporters'

Tootoo said knowing that people across Nunavut are behind him will give him extra motivation as he gets ready for this season.

"My hometown has been tremendous supporters throughout my career and though my ups and downs and it's an honour to play for them and in front of them and to pave the way for our youth," he said, adding that he is particularly grateful for the support of his parents, Barney and Rose, and his sister Corinne and her family.

"I couldn't be more happy to represent Nunavut and my hometown of Rankin Inlet."

While hockey is an important part of his life, Tootoo is also focusing on his own family, after his wife gave birth to a baby girl, Siena, on May 4.

The 33-year-old from Rankin Inlet fills a gap that was left by trading grinder Andrew Shaw to Montreal from Chicago.

Rick Morrisey, a sports columnist with The Chicago Tribune pointed out that Tootoo may not have Shaw's scoring touch but he more than makes up for that in grit.

"One of these days, an opponent is going to think about making a run at Patrick Kane," he wrote. "Maybe Tootoo's presence will make him think twice."

Tootoo, said he is prepared to do whatever it takes to help his team win.

"I get another opportunity to play in the best league in the world, so whatever I get called up to do, I'm willing to do that."

Tootoo has played parts of 12 seasons in the NHL, becoming the first Inuk player to join the league when he debuted for the Nashville Predators in 2003.

Tootoo played his last two seasons with the New Jersey Devils, racking up four goals and nine points in 66 games in 2015-16. He led the team with 102 penalty minutes and set a career-high with five power play points to go alongside a minus-26 rating.

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