"I played against Wayne (Gretzky), I played against (Francis). These are guys I grew up (watching), and it was just incredible, said Thornton, who made his NHL debut in 1997 after he was drafted first overall by the Bruins earlier that year. I don't remember too much (about playing against them). I don't remember too much, but I remember enough that there were a lot of legends that I grew up playing against, and I just loved growing up and watching them play."
"Thornton, who joined the Sharks' front office this summer as a player development coach and hockey operations advisor, said his favorite memories as a player included reaching the Stanley Cup Final with the Sharks in 2016 and winning the Gold Medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. But playing so many games and meeting so many guys, that's what was so special to me, Thornton said."
Joe Thornton received his Hall of Fame ring and blazer at a Toronto ceremony marking the start of his induction events. Thornton spent 15 seasons with the San Jose Sharks from 2005 to 2020 and was elected to the Hall of Fame in the Players' Category in his first year of eligibility. He ranks sixth in NHL games played (1,174), 14th in career points (1,539) and seventh in assists (1,109). Thornton joined the Sharks' front office as a player development coach and hockey operations advisor. His top playing memories include the 2016 Stanley Cup Final run and the 2010 Olympic gold medal.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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