Marty McSorley praises Tootoo during Nunavut visit

Compare the hockey statistics of Jordin Tootoo and Marty McSorley side by side and there's one stat that stands out from the rest: penalty minutes.

But from the perspective ofMcSorley, a former National Hockey League "tough guy," the game hasdrastically changed fromwhen he hung up his skatesto when Tootoo laced on his.

McSorleyandformer NHLer John LeClairwere in Tootoo's home territory this weekend as part of a Stanley Cup visitto Iqaluit.

And while it's tough to draw similarities in playing styles between McSorley and Tootoo given the different eras of hockey, Wayne Gretzky's bodyguard as McSorley was oftencalled is a big fan of the NHL's first Inuk player.

I think Jordin Tootoo is a very good player. Really. I really love him, McSorley said whileparticipating in a scrimmage with Iqaluit minor hockey players.

Gosh, if I was coaching, I'dcertainly want to have him on my team because he really plays hard. He's really committed tobeing a good player.

Tootoo, who just came off his 600th NHL game on Saturday night, scratched his way ontothe New Jersey Devils' roster after a training camp tryout this season. The 32-year-old was on a roll last month,with a five-game point streak a career high. He sits 14th on the team in scoring with nine goals and five assists.He also leads the team with 72 penalty minutes.

I'm a fan of the game, I'm a fan of the current players, and Jordin Tootoo is one of those guys thatyou can't help but cheer for, added McSorley.