Joe Thornton, who is commonly affectionately known as “Jumbo,” is without doubt one of the NHL’s most iconic figures. Over his three-decade profession, he was famend for his distinctive ability, management, and enduring ardour for the sport. All through his lengthy NHL tenure, Thornton etched his identify into hockey historical past with outstanding achievements and contributions.
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From his early days as the primary total decide within the 1997 NHL Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins to his function as a seasoned veteran with a number of accolades, Thornton embodied the spirit of hockey and left an indelible mark on generations of hockey followers worldwide. This submit will have a look at seven cool issues about him, though there are excess of these.
Cool Factor 1: Jumbo Joe: The Origin of Thornton’s Distinctive Nickname
Jumbo Joe Thornton earned his distinctive nickname early in his hockey profession for 2 causes. First, he carries an imposing stature and big expertise on the ice. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing over 220 kilos, Thornton’s bodily measurement created a formidable presence within the NHL.
Second, his hometown of St. Thomas, Ontario, additional provides to the importance of the nickname. St. Thomas was residence to Jumbo the Elephant, a beloved circus elephant within the late nineteenth century. There’s a statue of Jumbo in St. Thomas. The connection between Thornton and the legendary elephant was a straightforward hyperlink and deepened the that means of the nickname “Jumbo Joe.” It got here to represent each his bodily presence on the ice and his roots in his Ontario hometown.
Cool Factor 2: Two-Group MVP & Help King Thornton Wins Hart Trophy
Thornton rightly gained a popularity as one of many greatest passers in NHL historical past. With over 1,100 profession NHL assists, he stands amongst an elite group of gamers famend for his or her playmaking talents. His transformative 2005-06 season, throughout which he captured the Hart Trophy because the league’s most precious participant, solidified his standing as an help professional.
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Apparently, Thornton turned the primary and solely Hart Trophy winner to play for 2 totally different groups – the Bruins and the San Jose Sharks – throughout the identical season. All through his profession, Thornton constantly confirmed extraordinary passing talents, main the league in assists throughout quite a few seasons. Whereas he doesn’t look the half, he was an amazingly gifted playmaker.
Cool Factor 3: Jumbo’s Trophy Case – Thornton’s Spectacular NHL Awards
Thornton’s NHL profession is adorned with a number of prestigious awards and accolades. Amongst his notable achievements, he earned each the Artwork Ross Trophy and the Hart Memorial Trophy throughout the 2005–06 season. His excellent profession spanned 1,714 common season video games and his spectacular totals of 430 targets and 1,109 assists rank him seventh all-time in assists, 14th in factors with 1,539, and seventh in video games performed.
Moreover, Thornton was chosen to the All-Star Recreation 4 occasions and represented Canada as an Olympic gold medalist in 2010. Regardless of his many accomplishments, the Stanley Cup was the one prize that eluded Thornton all through his profession. His solely look within the Closing got here in 2016 with the Sharks, who fell in six video games to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Cool Factor 4: Thornton’s Coronary heart for Hockey and Reluctant Retirement
Thornton’s deep love for hockey and his unwavering ardour to compete on the highest stage had been evident all through his 24-season NHL profession. When he retired, he was the final lively participant who performed throughout the Nineties. His longevity and dedication to the game had been unparalleled.
Hockey wasn’t only a paycheque for Thornton; it was a basic a part of his id and character. The announcement of Thornton’s retirement marked the tip of an period outlined by his pleasure of competitors, the camaraderie of teammates, and the adoration of followers.
Thornton’s aggressive spirit and need to contribute to his crew’s success had been key elements in his reluctance to retire. In the end, he dragged out the announcement of his retirement till Oct. 2023. At that time, it turned apparent that there appeared to be no different selection. In that reluctance, Thornton’s blended feelings included nostalgia, uncertainty, and a longing to carry onto the acquainted rhythms of his life as an elite athlete. Who can be shocked if he didn’t wind up enjoying a couple of extra seasons with Davos in Switzerland?
Cool Factor 5: The Swiss Connection – Thornton’s Affinity for Switzerland
Thornton’s determination to make Switzerland his offseason residence speaks to the deep connection he has with the nation. Having turn out to be a naturalized American citizen in 2009, he later obtained a Swiss passport. His ties to Switzerland prolong past simply the game. His return to HC Davos in 2020-21 for a 3rd stint earlier than he joined the Toronto Maple Leafs underscores the enduring relationship he holds with the nation and its tradition.
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Past the rink, Switzerland holds private significance as a result of it was the place he first met his spouse, Tabea Pfendsack, throughout his preliminary tenure with HC Davos as a younger participant. Through the years, they’ve constructed a life collectively, celebrating a few years of marriage and beginning a household. For Thornton, Switzerland represents a spot the place his roots are deeply planted, shaping each his private {and professional} life.
Thornton’s determination to spend time in Switzerland not solely offers him with a well-known and comforting surroundings but in addition maybe the prospect to proceed his hockey future. He often works out within the Vaillant Enviornment in Davos and has famous he wouldn’t thoughts enjoying once more within the Swiss league. Thornton’s bond with Switzerland has been a relentless a part of his hockey life.
Cool Factor 6: Musical Bond – Thornton’s Friendship with Gord Downie
The friendship between Thornton and Gord Downie, who was the lead vocalist of The Tragically Hip, started in 1997 when Thornton was drafted first total by the Boston Bruins. The Bruins had been the crew beloved by the Downie brothers. Their friendship blossomed over a shared love of music, with Thornton proudly declaring his favourite band to be The Tragically Hip.
As their connection grew, Thornton turned a detailed buddy of the Downie brothers, significantly Gord. The 2 shared deep conversations about music and hockey. As their friendship deepened through the years, Thornton turned a trusted confidant for Gord because the singer’s well being started to say no. Their mutual respect and fondness for one another had been evident within the heartfelt moments they shared, resembling walks round Gord’s Toronto neighborhood.
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Their bond strengthened as Thornton engaged with Gord in lengthy conversations throughout the closing months of Downie’s life. Certainly one of Gord’s songs, “Protected is Useless,” was impressed by Thornton’s phrases. They shared a deep connection and a real friendship via each completely satisfied and difficult occasions.
Cool Factor 7: A Sharks Legend – Thornton’s Enduring Legacy in San Jose
Lastly, Thornton’s legacy with the Sharks is famous. Because the Sharks’ all-time chief in assists with 804, he performed a key function in driving the crew’s offensive success. His 1,055 factors rank second (to Patrick Marleau) in Sharks historical past.
Thornton embodied the Sharks’ id and values on and off the ice. He earned admiration from followers and teammates alike. With 1,104 video games performed for the Sharks, Thornton ranks third in franchise historical past. In his time with the crew, his outstanding consistency has solidified his standing as one of many NHL’s elite gamers. Thornton’s legacy in San Jose stays one of many cornerstones of the franchise’s historical past.
The Backside Line for Thornton as an NHL Participant
As a hockey author masking the Maple Leafs, my expertise with Thornton got here via his single season with the Blue & White. What stood out essentially the most was his infectious pleasure for the sport, his unwavering mentorship of younger gamers, and his outstanding skill to keep up a stability between hockey and life.
Whatever the crew’s efficiency, Thornton remained the keeper of positivity, celebrating victories and lifting spirits after losses. His resilience and calm perspective confirmed {that a} hockey participant may embody extra than simply on-ice success. Thornton epitomized the significance of friendship, camaraderie, and having fun with the journey alongside teammates.
Thornton’s uplifting approach made him not solely an excellent participant but in addition a pleasure to be round within the locker room. He was simply one of many guys.
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