Joe Thornton Biography

Joseph Eric Thornton, born on July 2, 1979, is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre. He has played for the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers in the National Hockey League. Thornton spent 14 seasons with the Sharks, serving as team captain for four seasons and reaching the 2016 Stanley Cup Finals. His on-ice vision, strength on the puck, passing ability, and power forward style defined his role as a top centre and playmaker. Thornton joined the AAA Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs in the 1993–94 season as part of the newly formed organization. The following season, he played 50 games at age 15, recording 104 points, and was drafted second overall in the 1995 OHL draft. After his second OHL season, he was selected first overall in the 1997 NHL entry draft by the Boston Bruins.