Thornton, Chara, Keith, Mogilny inducted into Hall of Fame - ESPN

TORONTO — Joe Thornton always did things his way.

Larger than life on the ice and away from the rink, the big forward with a radiating personality, elite vision, soft hands and a sparkling smile has been unapologetically unique since stepping into the NHL spotlight at age 18.

Now, the man affectionately known as «Jumbo Joe» is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Thornton was inducted Monday alongside fellow 2025 class members Zdeno Chara, Duncan Keith, Alexander Mogilny, Jennifer Botterill and Brianna Decker in the player category.

Jack Parker and Danièle Sauvageau were enshrined as builders.

Selected first at the 1997 draft by the Boston Bruins, Thornton's trajectory took off after a trade to the San Jose Sharks. He spent 14 seasons in California, winning the scoring title and Hart Trophy as league MVP in 2005-06, and was the third player to lead the NHL in assists three straight seasons.

«As long as I can remember, my year consisted of going from road hockey right to the backyard rink,» Thornton said of his childhood during a tear-filled speech. «There was only one season for me — it was hockey season.»

Thornton topped San Jose in scoring eight times, including five straight seasons, and helped the Sharks make the 2016 Stanley Cup final.

The 46-year-old, who played 24 NHL seasons and won Olympic gold with Canada in 2010, put up 1,539 points in 1,714 regular-season games in a career that ended with pit stops with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers. He finished 12th in scoring, seventh in assists and sixth in games played.

«Winning the gold medal in Vancouver in 2010 was truly electric,» Thornton said. «I remember leaving the arena and I looked to my left, and I saw a naked woman on the back of a motorcycle