Former NHL star to visit Fort Nelson for documentary screening

FORT NELSON, B.C. — Two northeast B.C. bands have collaborated to screen a documentary and welcome a former NHL star next week.

A veteran of 739 NHL hockey games, Jordin Tootoo will visit Fort Nelson for a screening of a documentary based on him and a Q&A session with community members on Thursday, April 16th.

‘Tootoo’ will be screened at Fort Nelson’s Phoenix Theatre. The event is being organized by Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) and Prophet River First Nation (PRFN) alongside School District 81 and Sandy Hart of Remax Action Realty.

Directed by Michael Hamilton, the 2025 film explores the trials and tribulations of former NHL star Jordin Tootoo, from his humble beginnings in Rankin Inlet in Nunavut to his voluntary entrance into the league’s substance abuse program at the height of his career and afterward.

After retiring as a player in 2018, Tootoo has worked in community outreach, focusing on issues such as suicide prevention.

PRFN’s director of education, employment, training and wellness Leah Asher says Tootoo’s visit to the north and the screening is a testament to PRFN’s commitment to advocacy on addiction and mental health.

Previously, PRFN has held events with former NHLers Theoren Fleury and Sandy McCarthy.

“One of the priorities in the community is to do work in the mental health, addiction and trauma space,” said Asher. “Chief [Valerie] Askoty asked me to figure out how we could potentially have [Tootoo] come to the community.

“I’m just really fortunate that I have a personal contact who has a friendship with the executive producer of the documentary. He reached out and made the connection for me.” 

Asher also confirmed to Energeticcity.ca Tootoo will spend a couple of days in PRFN and FNFN, where he will speak to students.

As part of the evening, a buffet dinner will be included before the event at Fort Nelson’s Fort Hotel on 5110 50th Avenue at 4:45 p.m.

The doors at the theatre will open at 6:30 p.m., with the screening expected to take place at 7 p.m. at the Phoenix Theatre at 5319 50th Avenue.

Additionally, the free event will feature Tootoo, film producer Adam Scorgie, Tootoo’s former teammate with the Nashville Predators Brian McGrattan and publicist Dena Barabash in a Q&A session following the screening, beginning at 8:30 p.m.

PRFN is asking attendees to RSVP to the free event. To do so, contact PRFN education wellness and employment services department administration coordinator Bailie Gaetz at 250-253-0515.