Thornton joins longtime teammate Patrick Marleau as the only players to have their jerseys retired by the Sharks. It’s fitting that they are side by side as the entered the NHL as the top two picks in the 1997 draft and spent 13 seasons together in San Jose.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Joe Thornton spent a career setting up his teammates with the perfect passes that helped them score goals. His jersey retirement ceremony Saturday was an opportunity for his former San Jose teammates to dish out the compliments for his ...

What a surreal moment this must have been for Joe Thornton and his family.

Celebrini is probably a little way off before he starts to wear a letter for the Sharks, but it seems to be a safe bet that he’ll be the team’s captain one day. When that happens, he’ll have to start to take charge of the room, holding guys accountable while also making sure the team’s culture is where it needs to be – just like Thornton did.

Watching the proceedings on the ice were the present-day Sharks, including the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft Macklin Celebrini, who lives at Thornton’s house. Thornton made sure to thank the 18-year-old center for helping River with his math homework.

Jumbo Joe made everyone in attendance emotional. With tears flowing, he thanked every single person who had crossed paths with him. From former teammates, coaches, mentors, and his family, the future Hall of Famer made sure not to leave anyone out who had an impact on him and his career.

In officially proclaiming this Saturday as Joe Thornton Day, Mahan not only mentioned the longtime centerman’s accomplishments during a Hockey Hall of Fame-caliber career but also noted his less-known philanthropic work, specifically with the Make-A-Wish foundation.

In weekend centered around honoring the greatness of Sharks legend Joe Thornton, you couldn't help but feel like every single one of the 17,435 members of SAP Center's sellout crowd were being celebrated too.