Keynote Speakers

Inspiring pathways at the ATC Career Fair

At the ATC Career Fair, the 3Nolans will speak directly to youth, job seekers, and exhibitors about identifying strengths, adapting to change, and staying committed to long-term goals. Their keynote will explore how skills developed through sport, that included discipline, teamwork, accountability, and resilience, translate directly into success in education, trades, business, and community leadership.

For students and job seekers, the message is clear: career paths are rarely straight lines, and setbacks can become defining moments of growth. For exhibitors and employers, the keynote reinforces the value of investing in people who bring perseverance, adaptability, and lived experience to the workplace.

The ATC Career Fair is designed to create meaningful connections between youth, First Nations and Indigenous people, employment, training, and education opportunities. The participation of the 3Nolans underscores the Fair’s focus on inspiration paired with practical pathways, encouraging participants to follow their passions, recognize opportunity in change, and excel in whatever direction their journey takes.

A story rooted in resilience and adaptability

The 3Nolans: Ted Nolan and his sons, Brandon and Jordan Nolan

The 3Nolans’ story is one of determination through change. An experience that resonates deeply with many Indigenous youth and job seekers navigating uncertain or evolving career paths.

Brandon Nolan began his professional hockey career by playing in four different professional leagues over a five-year period, making his NHL debut with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2007. A serious concussion forced Brandon to retire earlier than expected, marking a major turning point in his life. Rather than seeing the setback as an ending, Brandon pursued post-secondary education at Durham College, graduating in 2012 as the highest-ranking student in the Business Administration–Marketing program. His academic excellence earned multiple awards, including the National Aboriginal Achievement Award.

Today, Brandon is the Co-Founder and Director of Business Development for 3Nolans, applying the same discipline and work ethic developed through sport to entrepreneurship and community programming. He is also known to audiences for his role as “Jim #2” on the television series Shoresy.

Jordan Nolan brings a complementary perspective shaped by consistency, teamwork, and service. Over a career spanning more than 350 NHL games, Jordan earned three Stanley Cup championships—twice with the Los Angeles Kings and once with the St. Louis Blues. Following his retirement from professional hockey in 2020, Jordan returned to school and became a certified firefighter, demonstrating that career transitions can be a source of renewed purpose.

Jordan is deeply committed to supporting Indigenous youth, travelling to First Nation communities across Canada through the 3Nolans First Nations hockey school program and speaking at Indigenous events nationwide. Like his brother, Jordan also appears on Shoresy, portraying “Jim #3.”

At the heart of the 3Nolans’ story is Ted Nolan, a proud member of Garden River First Nation in northern Ontario. Born into a large family, Ted’s journey reflects resilience, pride, and determination. As a player with the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins, and later as a coach, Ted reached the highest levels of professional hockey. He was named NHL Coach of the Year in 1996 and went on to lead teams to championships, including guiding the Latvian Men’s National Ice Hockey Team to the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Beyond the rink, Ted founded the Ted Nolan Foundation, raising millions of dollars in scholarships that support First Nation women across Canada. As President and Co-Founder of 3Nolans, Ted continues to work alongside Brandon and Jordan to deliver hockey schools and mentorship programming in First Nation communities, encouraging young people to believe in their potential and pursue their goals.

Ted’s memoir, Life in Two Worlds, published in 2023, became a Canadian bestseller and chronicles his journey from Garden River First Nation to international recognition. His contributions have been recognized through multiple honorary degrees and national honours, including induction into the Order of Sport and appointment to the Order of Canada.

You can learn more about the 3Nolans and the work they do at: 3nolans.com