""I remember how strong the Bruins alumni was and how I was instantly accepted by them...Wayne Cashman, we still talk weekly...but there was no one bigger in my time with the Bruins than Johnny Bucyk...to the people of Boston, you were so good to me. Thank you." - Jumbo Joe pic.twitter.com/shvWYbL1I7- Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 11, 2025"
""My first couple of seasons in Boston were quite difficult. It was a difficult transition for me from the OHL to the NHL, but midway through my second year, I finally found my footing," Thornton said. "I remember how strong the Bruins alumni was and how I was instantly accepted by them. Bobby Orr, Wayne Cashman, Gerry Cheevers, Ken Hodge, Derek Sanderson and Tommy Johnson. "Everyone was so kind to me. They had lunch with me, golfed with me, taught me how to be a man. Wayne Cashman"
Joe Thornton began his NHL career as the first overall pick by the Boston Bruins in the 1997 draft and played eight seasons with Boston, recording 454 points in 532 games. Boston traded Thornton to the San Jose Sharks in November 2005 in a deal that returned Marco Sturm, Wayne Primeau and Brad Stuart. Thornton won the Hart Trophy after totaling 125 points across 81 games between the two teams. He spent 15 seasons with San Jose, posting 1,055 points in 1,104 games and finishing his career with 1,539 points, 14th in league history. Thornton joined the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2025 and thanked Bruins alumni and the people of Boston for mentorship and support during his early transition from the OHL to the NHL.
Read at Boston.com
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