 Nestled on the upper level of the Joe Thornton Community Centre is the St. Thomas Wall of Fame, where photographs and brief bios of St. Thomas teams and individuals are displayed and celebrated for their impacts and achievements. Join us as we dive deeper into the stories and people behind the photographs. Joe Thornton is a globally recognized name throughout all levels of professional hockey and an incredible local legend who we are #stthomasproud of. From his impressive time with the St. Thomas Stars to the OHL's Soo Greyhounds, to being drafted first overall in the 1997 NHL Draft by the Boston Bruins, "Jumbo Joe" has earned his place in many hockey fans' hearts.  Joe Thornton with his family during the ceremony announcing the NHL player has been added to Wall of Fame, at the newly named Joe Thornton Community Centre. (photo / Rob J. Ross) Raised in St. Thomas by Mary and Wayne Thornton, Joe's passion for hockey was evident from a young age. In an interview with the New York Times, Joe's brother John recalls how Joe didn't care about much except for sports, hockey especially, as a kid. "He didn't want to do anything except sports," John Thornton said. "He would play hockey all day, every day, if my mom would let him." Joe often played hockey with the neighbourhood kids in Lynhurst, but if no one was around to play, that didn't stop Joe; he could be found either on the outdoor rink in their backyard, on the street, or even in their basement. As a kid, Joe's dad, Wayne, was his designated driver, taking him to and from the St. Thomas rinks, but when he was old enough to go on his own, Joe was always the first at the rink. Joe was originally a defenseman but was moved into the center position that he would become globally known for at the age of nine after his center teammate broke his finger, and the coach moved Joe's position. Joe's talent was recognized early on, with scouts and agents noticing him when he was around 12. He made a notable debut with the St. Thomas Jr. B team, the St. Thomas Stars, when, at the age of 15, he scored 104 points in 50 games. With undeniable talent and passion, Joe was selected second overall in the 1995 OHL draft and went on to play with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, when Joe said he "started to solely focus on hockey." He excelled in the OHL, earning 122 points in 59 games during his 1996-97 season.  Joe was drafted first overall in the 1997 NHL Draft by the Boston Bruins, where he played until being traded to the San Jose Sharks in 2005, where Joe established himself as one of the greatest Sharks players in franchise history and became one of the big faces for the organization. Joe won the Hart Memorial Trophy for Most Valuable Player and the Art Ross Trophy for most points in 2005-06. He also helped lead the Sharks to the 2016 Stanley Cup Final, where they unfortunately lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In addition to amassing outstanding career stats within the NHL, Joe proudly represented Canada on the international stage in the World Championships, World Juniors, and the Olympics. He became a World Cup Champion in 2004 and an Olympic Gold Medalist in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.  Team Canada players pose after winning the gold in men’s ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Feb. 28, 2010. Jonathan Hayward / THE CANADIAN PRESS He also lovingly earned the nickname "Jumbo Joe'; a nod to his physical stature and larger-than-life personality, and an acknowledgement of his hometown roots and connections to St. Thomas. Joe Thornton officially retired from the NHL in 2023 after 24 seasons. Joe ranked 12th in league points, played the 6th most games in NHL history (1,714), had over 430 goals, and was in the Top 10 all-time in assists (1,100+) and Top 15 of all-time in points (1,500+). In an NHL article, Sharks coach David Quinn said Joe is "a unique individual with an incredible heart," teammate Tomas Hertl spoke of Joe's incredible on and off-ice impact. "Just being around, the first thing I remember was loud in the locker room, just laugh loud and a funny guy but at the same time one of the hardest working guys and always in the gym, always getting ready for the game," Tomas said. "[He] loved to be around the locker room, loved to be around the guys and loved the game. [Joe and 'Patty' Patrick Marleau are] probably the two players everybody remembers when they say San Jose Sharks."
Even in his official retirement announcement video, Joe's passion and love for hockey is clear. "I have so much love for the game of hockey and for [the] countless number of people that helped this kid's dream become a reality," Joe said. "If you're looking for me, you know where to find me. I'll be at the rink." "Jumbo Joe's" pristine playmaking and iconic beard arguably became the face of the Sharks franchise, and his number 19 was officially retired by the Sharks during his ceremony on November 23, 2024. A SportsNet article cites Joe as a key influence in helping transform the San Jose Sharks from a 'middling franchise to a perennial contender,' with Joe ranking first in Sharks history with 804 assists, second with 1,055 points, third with 1,104 games played and fourth with 251 goals.  Just as Joe has left an unmistakable imprint in NHL and San Jose Sharks history, his legacy and impact in St. Thomas can still be felt. From the 'Home of Joe Thornton' sign that proudly stands in Lynhurst (where his parents Mary and Wayne still live) to The Timken Centre being officially renamed the Joe Thornton Community Centre (often called The Joe) in 2018, Joe's connection to St. Thomas is alive and well. Added to the St. Thomas Hall of Fame during a ceremony with his family present, Joe stated in a Hometown Play article that he was "very humbled" by the renaming and Hall of Fame recognition. "I'm so proud to be from this community and I take pride that I'm from St. Thomas. So many people have helped me along the way to get where I am today." St. Thomas continues to hold a special place in Joe's heart, with his kids' first skate in Canada being at the Joe Thornton Community Centre. "It's pretty special for me," Joe said in the Hometown Play article. Thanks to Mom for making Dad move from London. St. Thomas is a little gem in South-Western Ontario that I'm so proud of." IF YOU GO 📍The Wall of Fame is located on the upper level of the Joe Thornton Community Centre at 75 Caso Xing, St Thomas,
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