A St. Thomas native is set to become only the second player in San Jose Sharks franchise history to have his number retired.
The Sharks announced on Wednesday they will raise Joe Thornton's number 19 to the rafters during the 2024-25 NHL season. The exact date that will happen has yet to be determined with additional details surrounding the ceremony and events to be released at a later date.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to play in the National Hockey League for 24 seasons,” Thornton said in a statement. “But when I came to San Jose, it felt like I was truly home. I fell in love with the area and the people, and I had the best years of my career wearing the Sharks crest... I am humbled by this recognition, which is a reflection of all of those great teams we had in San Jose during my time there.”
Thornton, who is affectionately known as "Jumbo Joe", announced his retirement from the NHL in a video posted to social media last October.
His NHL career began in 1997 when he was drafted first overall by Boston. He played for the Bruins for seven seasons, three as captain, before he was traded to the Sharks. He spent 15 seasons with San Jose. During that time, he and the Sharks won 80 Stanley Cup playoff games, appeared in four conference finals, and reached the Stanley Cup final in 2016.
He also did short stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers.
Thornton's career statistics place him among the greatest players in NHL history. He scored 430 goals and collected 1,109 assists during his 24 seasons.
The only other former Sharks player to have their number retired was Patrick Marleau.
"It’s only fitting that Jumbo Joe’s No. 19 joins Patrick Marleau’s No. 12 in the rafters of SAP Center,” said Sharks President Jonathan Becher. “Joe’s arrival in San Jose in 2005 energized an already fervent fan base and for the next 15 seasons, Sharks fans were treated to watching one of the greatest players in NHL history. He is one of the most beloved players in Sharks history and we can’t wait to celebrate Joe’s career in San Jose during the 2024-25 season.”
Ahead of the retirement ceremony, the Sharks have released the Jumbo 19 Collection, a line of apparel featuring Thornton and his number.
