Joe Thornton is a pro ice hockey player from Canada who is currently playing for San Jose Sharks in NHL. He is known to his fans as Jumbo Joe and is very popular because of his force.
Early years
He was born as Joseph Eric Thornton on July 2, 1979 in St Thomas in Ontario. Since his early age he was interested in hockey and sports. He was hyperactive so skating seemed ideal for him: it kept him occupied for most of his free time.
His family lived in St. Thomas and he has spent his childhood there. He was engaged in minor hockey (amateur ice hockey) and was a team member in St. Thomas Travelers.
In 1993-94 season he was invited to join Elgin-Middlesed Chiefs. Eventually, he joined St. Thomas Stars (a Canadian Junior team) and during his first season he showed great skills and he was invited to become their full-time member the following season.
Career development
He was drafted in 1995 by Sazlt Ste. Marie Greyhounds and he stayed with this team for two years.
He won two Rookie of THE Year honours. In 1996, he was named to second All-star Team for OHL (Ontario Hockey League).
In 1997 he joined the Boston Bruins. During that season he was injured and spent a lot of time on the bench.
In 1998/99 season he trippled his time on ice and began showing what he does the best: scoring points.
He became one of Bruins?S most valuable players. In 2002/03 season he became the team captain and in 2003 he came 3rd in NHL point-scoring.
In 2004 he was injured in a fight and suffered a broken cheekbone, which led to surgery.
After that he started playing for HC Davos (a pro Swiss ice hockey club). He helped the team to win Spengler Cup and gained great friends there so he goes there evry summer and train with the club.
In 2005/06 he became a fre agent, unhappy with his position in Boston Bruins. Nevertheless, he signed a deal with the Bruins.
He was traded to San Jose Sharks the same year and found himself a player Jonathan Cheechoo and they became a great hockey duet.
He earned Art Ross Trophy as the best scorer in the League which was a shock to the Bruins since he played that part in San Jose.
In 2006/07 he was given a permanent alternate captaincy for the team.
He signed a contract to stay in the Sharks for 3 more years.
In 2008 he was named captain in upcoming All-star game in Montreal in 2009.
2009/10 was one of his best Season in the Sharks.
In 2010 he signed a three-years contract again with the Sharks. He did the same in 2014. But in 2017 he signed a one-year contract for the 2017/18 season with his longtime club „San Jose Sharks“. He is currently their Centerman.
He was in Canadian team for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
In 1997 he was in Canadas U-20 team which won a medal at Worl Junior Championship in Switzerland.
Personal life
He met his wife Tabea in Switzerland in 2004/05. They have two children: a son Ruver born in 2013 and a daughter Ayla born in 2010. They spend a lot of quality time together.
His marriage is happy and they both have understanding for each other. They share a lot of common interests and they are both devoted parents to their children.
In 2009, Thornton became an American citizen which made him equal to his teammates.
Quick summary
Full name: Joseph Eric Thornton
Date of birth: July 2, 1979
Birthplace: St.Thomas, Ontario
Age: 39
Profession: ice hockey player
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 104 kg
Net Worth: $60 million
