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Nov 23, 2024, 09:07 PM ET
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Joe Thornton spent a career setting up his teammates with the perfect passes that helped them score goals.
His jersey retirement ceremony Saturday was an opportunity for his former San Jose teammates to dish out the compliments for his play, leadership and friendship in tributes that repeatedly forced him to wipe away tears on an emotional afternoon.
“The best thing hockey ever gave me — friends for life,” Thornton said during a lengthy speech that included thanks to his former teammates, coaches, executives and family members that helped him throughout his career.
Thornton walked out to the ceremony nattily dressed in a black suit and top hat. He walked through the current members of the Sharks — wearing fake beards in his honor — before coming through the famed Shark head to thunderous applause.
Joe Thornton, dressed in a black suit and top hat, said the best thing hockey ever gave him were “friends for life” — many of whom were there Saturday night to celebrate his jersey retirement in San Jose. Ezra Shaw/ Pool Photo via AP
Dozens of his former teammates were on hand and gave tributes on a lengthy video to the player simply known as “Jumbo.”
“It feels good to be back,” Thornton said.
With his pinpoint passing, infectious joy and signature beard, Thornton became the face of the Sharks franchise and was honored with his No. 19 jersey being raised to the rafters.
Thornton joins longtime teammate Patrick Marleau as the only players to have their jerseys retired by the Sharks. It’s fitting that they are side by side as the entered the NHL as the top two picks in the 1997 draft and spent 13 seasons together in San Jose.
“Thank you for making hockey fun, even in the hardest moments,” Marleau said in his tribute. “I’m very thankful and honored that your banner is going to be up next to mine.”
Thornton entered the NHL as the No. 1 overall pick by Boston but had his greatest success in 15 seasons with San Jose following a trade…
Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/42571902/thankful-joe-thornton-jersey-retired-san-jose-sharks
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Publish date : 2024-11-24 02:21:00
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