Rose and Barney Tootoo, parents of Inuk NHLer Jordin Tootoo shown here, say it’s important for parents to help their kids deal with negative distractions while they pursue a hockey career. (Photo courtesy of The Tennessean)

Making a break for a pro hockey career? Here is some parental advice

Parents of Tootoo brothers and Mykyla Allakariallak endorse education as first step to athletic success

By Daron Letts

With the success of the Professional Women’s Hockey League sparking dreams of a pro career for female Inuk hockey players, Rose and Barney Tootoo of Rankin Inlet have a few ideas to share on what it takes to get there.

They’re the parents of Jordin Tootoo, who in the 2003-04 season became the first Inuk player to make the National Hockey League when he suited up for the Nashville Predators.

Jordin Tootoo didn’t just crack the NHL, he played for 13 seasons that also included stops with the Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks.

“Never give up,” said Rose Tootoo. “If you want to become somebody — a professional hockey player — you have to work hard. You have to have an education. Stay in school.”

However, remaining in Nunavut is likely not the path to a pro hockey career, added Barney Tootoo.

Jordin Tootoo went south to play triple-A bantam hockey in Alberta when he was 13. His late older brother, Terence Tootoo, went south at 15, his father said, because scouts from the pro teams tend not to visit the territory.

“The younger the better, because as you get older there are other things to get you off track,” Barney Tootoo said.

“When you’re younger and you’re in school, hockey can be a second thing to think about. Education is the most important thing, especially for players from up here who go down south.”

Having the discipline to stick to your goal is key.

Iqaluit-born hockey player Mykyla Allakariallak is captain for the Edmonton Ice Blue under-15 AA team in the Alberta Female Hockey League. (Photo by Quentin K/Quentin K Photography.

“Hockey will fall into place if you’re looking for a hockey career,” he said.

However, living in a big southern city for the first time requires navigating around peer pressure and the temptation of alcohol and drugs. It’s a mental challenge.

“You got that right,” said Barney Tootoo. “Keep away from booze and drugs and that.

“Down there, the kids from up here — they get lured into stuff so easy. That’s another thing you have to watch out for.”

In the two books he wrote, Jordin Tootoo described his struggles with alcohol addiction and mental health issues.

Kristal Allakariallak, whose daughter Mykyla Allakariallak plays as a winger and team captain for the Edmonton Ice Blue under-15 AA team in the Alberta Female Hockey League, concurs with the Tootoos’ advice.

“If your child is on an elite sports team, they are extremely busy,” she said. “Keep them that way, so they can try to stay clear of things like drugs, alcohol, sex and vaping.”

Not all young players will be able to do that, she said, but anticipating those distractions can help teens respond safely.

“Have a conversation with them beforehand so they are expecting it and will know how to deal with it when it comes,” she said.

“Also, talk to them about how they will deal with it when someone offers these substances to them. It’s going to happen regardless, so they might as well be prepared.”

While teens are naturally curious and often want to experiment, the hockey rink is not the venue to explore those life lessons, she said.

Parental check-ins are important along the way, Kristal Allakariallak added.

“Always let them know that they can be honest with you and come to you for anything, no matter how hard that is,” she said.

“You will come up with a solution together.”

Ultimately, the hard work and perseverance has to come from the young athletes themselves, the Tootoos said.

“It’s important not to force them,” said Barney Tootoo.

“Try to push them along the way, but don’t force them to stay down there. It’s actually up to them, because they’re the one getting into it.”

For Inuk athletes who head south for sport, Rose Tootoo offers another piece of advice: call home.

“My sons used to call home every other day,” she said.

 

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(3) Comments:

  1. Posted by Hockey scams on

    For the parents, there’s lots of lessons to learn as well. One I see far too often is hockey programs (hockey schools, private league teams) who convince players and parents that their kid has a special talent and they need to enroll in their program. We’re seeing lots of fundraisers on Facebook where people are fundraising for hockey programs down south and 90% of them are very suspicious. Be careful and ask someone you can trust, like a knowledgeable coach in your local program.

    Also don’t put pro hockey dreams in your kid’s head if they don’t show any signs of being an elite player. As a parent you probably won’t be able to identify that without outside confirmation (again, from someone you can trust who doesn’t want your money). I’ve known too many kids who think they’re going to be pros and then they don’t. You need a backup plan, back up hobbies and interests. It’s sad when a kid’s whole personality revolves around hockey and then their dreams get crushed.

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    • Posted by 100% on

      With experience as being one of those kids in an elite-program, I couldn’t agree more. Growing up not doing anything else but playing and training for hockey year-round, I never got to develop into any other hobbies, interests, or jobs for that matter. School was always an afterthought as well. I did get to travel a lot, and get exposed to different cultures though, which was definitely my favorite part.

      I don’t discourage people sending their children down to play in elite programs, because the experience is truly one of a kind. I do however discourage those who do send their kids/young adults down to a place where there is very little chance of improving at hockey or furthering education, where there is no real chance of moving up to any higher level (like the GMHL)

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      • Posted by Hockey Mom on

        How can you say that there is no real chance of moving up to an higher level (like GMHL) my son Roberto is currently with GMHL with Tottenham Raiders. It all depends on the player especially if they are committed to becoming pro hockey player. As a hockey mom i fully support my son’s dream to be in the NHL and he made it this far and i am supporting him more than ever. He was in Medford, Oregon US for 2 yrs, 1st year he was the captain and second year he was the assistant Captain. Please don’t discourage young people.

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