St. Thomas’ own Joe Thornton officially joined hockey’s most elite company Monday night, taking his place in the Hockey Hall of Fame — and his hometown couldn’t be prouder.
Before the bright lights of Toronto’s induction ceremony, the celebrations started back home.
The St. Thomas Stars — the team where Thornton once played junior B hockey — hosted a special tribute game on Saturday.
The crowd roared as “Jumbo Joe” dropped the puck, and thanked fans who have supported him since his earliest days on the ice.
The community has long celebrated Thornton as one of St. Thomas’ most accomplished athletes, and now, his name and legacy are immortalized among hockey’s greats.
During his induction speech Monday, Thornton reflected on the roots that shaped him — from backyard rinks to his first games in St. Thomas.
“As long as I could remember, my year consisted of going right from road hockey, right to the backyard rink. So there was only one season for me. It was hockey season.”
He paid a heartfelt tribute to his parents, Wayne and Mary, and the Crescent Avenue home where his dream began.
“That dream was made on Crescent Ave in a 1200 square foot house that my mom and dad built. They still live today. Wayne and Mary, my parents — you are the beginning, the middle, and the end of my story.”
He reminisced about his time playing junior B for the St. Thomas Stars — remembering the fans, coaches, and hometown passion that fueled his love for the game.
“I was lucky enough to play junior B in my hometown of St. Thomas for the Stars, and it was a huge deal for me. I remember the old Memorial Garden, packed with fans.”
Now, years later, Thornton said he still returns to St. Thomas to skate with his son at an arena that now bears his name.
“Fast forward to today. I go there with my son, and I get to skate with his buddies at an arena called the Joe Thornton Community Centre. Locals just call it ‘The Joe.’ And River, it’s pretty darn cool.”
And while his playing career may be over, the St. Thomas native’s 430 goals, 1,109 assists, an MVP season, and Olympic gold leave a lasting impression on the hockey world.
Thornton’s complete induction speech can be watched below.
Audio clip and screengrab rights to the Greater Ontario Hockey League. The complete video can be found below.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
