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Jordin Tootoo takes next step in substance abuse program; cleared to practice with Predators

Jordin Tootoo, Mark Shewchyk

Nashville Predators right wing Jordin Tootoo, left, acknowledges the fans’ applause as he is led to the bench by linesman Mark Shewchyk after fighting with New York Rangers left wing Sean Avery in the first period of an NHL hockey game on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

AP

As hockey fans, we often get wrapped up in wins, losses, goals and assists. It’s easy to forget that there are human beings driving those numbers.

Nashville Predators forward Jordin Tootoo voluntarily checked himself into the NHL/NHL Players Assocation’s Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program in late December. While he hasn’t been cleared to play in games or travel with the team during road trips, the NHL and NHLPA announced that Tootoo has been cleared to practice with the club again.

Tootoo has entered the “follow-up phase” of the rehab process, so he still has to clear some hurdles to appear in NHL games.