Joe Thornton consistently charted his own course.
A prominent figure both on the ice and in his personal life, the imposing forward, known for his magnetic personality, superior court vision, skillful hands, and radiant smile, has always been uniquely himself since entering the NHL scene at the young age of 18.
Now, the individual affectionately known as “Jumbo Joe” has earned his place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Thornton was formally inducted on Monday, accompanied by his fellow 2025 inductees: Zdeno Chara, Duncan Keith, Alexander Mogilny, Jennifer Botterill, and Brianna Decker, all recognized in the player category.
Jack Parker and Danièle Sauvageau received honors as builders.
After being selected first overall by the Boston Bruins in the 1997 draft, Thornton’s career truly gained momentum following a trade to the San Jose Sharks. Originating from St. Thomas, Ontario, he dedicated 14 seasons to the California team. During this period, he secured the scoring title and the Hart Trophy as the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2005-06. Notably, he became only the third player in history to consecutively lead the NHL in assists for three seasons.
“For as long as I can recall, my year revolved around transitioning from street hockey to the backyard rink,” Thornton expressed in a heartfelt speech. “There was only one season in my mind, and that was hockey season.”
WATCH | 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame induction speeches:
Thornton was the top scorer for San Jose eight times, including a streak of five consecutive seasons, and played a vital role in the Sharks’ journey to the 2016 Stanley Cup final.
The 46-year-old, who enjoyed a 24-season NHL career and secured an Olympic gold medal with Canada on home ice in 2010, amassed 1,539 points across 1,714 regular-season games. His career concluded with stints on the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers. He concluded his career ranked 12th in all-time scoring, seventh in assists, and sixth in games played.
“Words can’t fully express how amazing he is,” remarked Leafs captain Auston Matthews over the weekend. “He truly is one of a kind … I feel privileged to have played alongside him and to call him a friend.”
Chara, 48, was initially drafted by the New York Islanders in 1996 and later traded to the Ottawa Senators in 2001. His career soared to new heights after signing with Boston.
The towering six-foot-nine defenseman dedicated 14 seasons to the Boston team, serving as their captain throughout that period from 2006 to 2020. The Bruins clinched the Stanley Cup in 2011 and reached the final on two other occasions.
2nd European captain to win Stanley Cup
Chara, the second European captain to raise hockey’s most coveted trophy, participated in three Olympic Games and seven world championships. He was awarded the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman in 2009. Before retiring, he finished his career with the Washington Capitals before returning to the Islanders.
“Growing up in the small town of Trencin, Slovakia, you don’t dream about nights like this,” Chara stated. “Your aspirations are centered around a patch of ice that doesn’t melt before practice ends. You hope to find a stick that isn’t broken or skates that still fit for a few more years.”
Keith spent 16 seasons with Chicago, helping them secure the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013, and 2015. The 42-year-old Winnipeg native also earned Olympic gold for Canada in 2010 and again in 2014. He was a two-time Norris Trophy winner and received the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the 2015 playoffs. Keith concluded his career with one season playing for the Edmonton Oilers before retiring in 2022.
“You can’t pursue a dream in isolation,” he noted. “And lifting the Cup or earning a gold medal is never a solo achievement. It’s a collective effort with everyone who has supported you along the way.”
Botterill represented Canada in four Olympic Games, securing three gold medals and one silver. Hailing from Winnipeg, she contributed to five championship victories and three second-place finishes at the world championships, earning MVP honors in 2001.
“My parents have always said that they recognized hockey as something truly special,” shared the 46-year-old broadcaster. “Every time I was on the ice, they said they could see my smile through the cage. That same smile accompanied me throughout my entire career.”
Decker captured a gold medal at the 2018 Olympics with the U.S. team and has two silver medals to her name. The 34-year-old forward from Dousman, Wisconsin, has also won six world championships and secured a couple of second-place finishes.
“Hockey has enriched my life in so many ways,” Decker expressed. “It has given me lifelong friendships, memories I will never forget, and now, this incredible honor.”
‘I dreamt of a life that did not exist’
Sauvageau, 63, has been involved in six Olympic Games either coaching or managing for Canada, including leading the country to a gold medal as head coach in 2002. The Montreal native, the Hall’s first female builder, currently serves as the general manager for the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Victoire in her hometown.
“I once dreamed of a life that was beyond my reach,” she reflected. “And I’ve been fortunate to live a life that I couldn’t have imagined.”
Parker, 80, directed Boston University’s men’s hockey program from 1973 to 2013, leading them to three national championships. The Somerville, Massachusetts, native was also recognized as the NCAA coach of the year three times.
Mogilny, 56, who was absent from the week’s celebrations, defected from the Soviet Union to the United States in 1989. He reached career highs with 76 goals and 127 points with the 1992-1993 Buffalo Sabres, marking the highest totals ever achieved by a Soviet/Russian player.
He raised the Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in 2000, during a career that also included periods with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks, finishing with 1,032 points in 990 regular-season games.
“I’m filled with immense gratitude,” Mogilny conveyed in a recorded message. “Not only for this honor, but for the remarkable journey that has brought me to this point.”
