Hockey Legend Joe Thornton Inducted into Hall of Fame, Reflects on Career and Inspirations
Toronto, ON – Hockey icon Joe Thornton was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame today, delivering a heartfelt speech that traced his journey from a hockey-obsessed childhood in St. Thomas, Ontario, to a celebrated 22-season NHL career. Thornton’s induction is part of the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025,recognizing his remarkable skill and impact on the game.
Thornton, a perennial fan favorite known for his playmaking ability, fondly recalled idolizing hockey greats like Johnny Bower, Mario Lemieux, Pat LaFontaine, Cam Neely, Eric Lindros, and Steve Yzerman, stating, “I want to thank all those greats for setting the bar and creating a dream inside of me.” He credited his upbringing on Crescent Avenue, in a 1,200-square-foot house where his parents still reside, and early exposure to Don Cherry videos and basement knee hockey for igniting his passion for the sport. “At a young age, I instantly fell in love with the game of hockey,” he said. “It taught me the importance of brotherhood. It taught me the importance of friendship.”
The speech detailed key moments in Thornton’s career, beginning with his time with the Boston Bruins, where he expressed gratitude for the mentorship of players like Wayne Cashman and, particularly, Johnny Bucyk. “As a young kid, 18 years old, the ‘Chief’ really took me under his wing, and he helped me through my first few years,” thornton shared. He acknowledged the difficulty of his trade to San Jose at age 26, but ultimately embraced the prospect, noting, “Everything just clicked, and it was easy to go to the rink. I felt dominant.”
Thornton also highlighted the honor of representing Canada internationally, recounting a memorable scene following the team’s gold medal victory at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. “I remember leaving the arena,and I looked to my left,and I saw a naked woman on the back of a motorcycle,waving a Canadian flag,” he recounted,adding with a smile,”I looked to my pregnant wife,and I said,’I am so proud to be Canadian.'”
The emotional peak of the speech came as Thornton spoke about his wife, Tabea, and their children. “Thanks for rolling with me,’T,'” he said. “I enjoy every day.I laugh.I smile. I think.I cry.all because of you.” He concluded by requesting bagpipes and expressing his gratitude to all in attendance, declaring, “It’s time to party.Thank you everyone. I love you.”
