Joe Thornton | Sharks retire jersey number 19

(San Jose) Joe Thornton spent his career setting the table for his teammates with perfect passes that helped them score goals.

His jersey retirement ceremony on Saturday was an opportunity for his former San Jose Sharks teammates to pay tribute to him for his play, his leadership and his friendship.

“The best thing hockey has given me is friends for life,” Thornton said during a lengthy speech during which he thanked his former teammates, coaches and managers as well as his family members. who helped him throughout his career.

Dozens of “Jumbo Joe’s” former teammates were present and paid tribute to him in a lengthy video.

“It’s good to be back,” Thornton said.

With his precise passes, infectious joy and iconic beard, Thornton became the face of the Sharks and saw his number 19 jersey hoisted aloft at the team’s home ground.

Thornton joins longtime teammate Patrick Marleau as the only players to have their jerseys retired by the Sharks. It’s only fitting that they’re side by side, as they entered the NHL as the top two overall picks in the 1997 draft and spent 13 seasons together in San Jose.

“Thank you for making hockey fun, even in the most difficult times,” said Marleau. I am very grateful and honored that your banner stands next to mine. »

Thornton was selected first overall by the Boston Bruins, but his greatest success was during his 15 seasons with the Sharks, after being traded to the California squad on November 30, 2005.

Thornton ranks first in Sharks history with 804 assists, second with 1,055 points, third with 1,104 games played and fourth with 251 goals. He helped take the Sharks from an average team to contenders year after year.

“San Jose is his city and the Sharks are his team,” said his former teammate Joe Pavelski, during his first public appearance on “Shark Tank” since announcing his retirement last season.

Thornton played 1,714 career games in the NHL, recording 430 goals and 1,109 assists. He was named to the All-Star Game four times, won gold with Canada at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, and won the Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy in 2005-06.

Thornton ranks seventh in NHL history in assists, 14th^e for points (1539) and sixth for matches played.

The only thing Thornton will have missed is a Stanley Cup. His only appearance in the Finals came in 2016, when the Sharks lost in six games to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

He helped the Sharks win the Presidents’ Trophy in 2008-09, appear in four Western Conference Finals (2010, 2011, 2016 and 2019) and appear in the Stanley Cup Final (2016).

“Thank you, Sharks fans,” Thornton said to finish his speech. And like I said when I retired, I’ll see you at the rink. Peace and love. Go Sharks! »