In any profession, deciding to bring your career to a close is a monumental decision. For those dedicated to their craft, the pursuit of excellence is a lifelong journey.
Joe Thornton, a seasoned veteran of the NHL, has made the heartfelt choice to retire after a remarkable career spanning 24 seasons. His journey began when he was selected as the 1st overall pick by the Boston Bruins in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. Over seven seasons with the Bruins, he demonstrated his leadership by earning the Captain's patch.
At the age of 44, Thornton officially retired from the NHL after a storied career. Throughout his journey, he skated for esteemed teams, including the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers. In total, Joe graced the ice in a staggering 1,714 NHL games, amassing 430 goals and 1,109 assists for a remarkable 1,539 points.
Known for his penchant for going shirtless, Thornton chose to end his NHL adventure in a manner just as bold. With a charismatic exit, he walked off into the sunset, leaving a lasting mark on the hockey world.