Jordan has already accomplished so much in his young and inspiring life. A 3-time Stanley Cup Champion with the LA Kings (2012 and 2014) and St. Louis Blues (2019), Jordan is looked upon as an up and coming positive role model in First Nation communities across Canada.
Like his brother, Jordan grew up in Garden River First Nation constantly playing outdoors, and in the wintertime, you could find him on the outdoor rink. "I remember always skating on the rink that was built by my father. It was like a little NHL rink, with boards, netting, nets, and flood lights for the nighttime. Our rink was the place to be for youth in the neighborhood."
It was on that outdoor rink that Jordan honed his skills that would eventually see him drafted to the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Jordan would go onto play for the Erie Otters (2005-2006), as well as the Windsor Spitfires (2006-2008) and the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (2008-2010). A 20-goal scorer in Sault Ste. Marie with the Greyhounds, Jordan was drafted by the LA Kings in the 7th round (186th overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
Being a low NHL draft pick, Jordan wasn’t suppose to accomplish so much in such a short amount of time. "Committing myself fully on and off the ice was what changed my life. I knew in order to make, and eventually stick in the NHL full time, I needed to live a healthy, clean, active lifestyle, and that is what helped me get to where I am today."
Jordan would be an integral part of the LA Kings Stanley Cup wining teams in 2012 and 2014, and both times took his "Day with the Stanley Cup" back to his home community of Garden River First Nation. In 2012, Ontario Regional Chief at time, Stan Beardy, was quoted:
“I would like to offer congratulations to Jordan Nolan of Garden River First Nation for his victory and would also like to commend him for being an inspiring example to First Nations youth in his community and throughout Ontario. Jordan’s story is the story that we want to tell about our youth. Through hard work, determination, and commitment to his sport, Jordan Nolan has been able to achieve his dreams. He helped the LA Kings win the Stanley Cup while only in his rookie year, which is an impressive feet. I know we can expect many more great things from him in the near future, and that he will continue to be an inspiration to our youth."
