In addition to talking about their influences and those they influenced, the seven members of the class in attendance recalled getting the call in June from the Hall of Fame informing them of their election.
Parker, 80, the former longtime coach as Boston University, joked that when he told a friend the ceremony would be in November, the friend asked, “November? Do they know how old you are?”
Keith, a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the Chicago Blackhawks, was asked why he thought he wasn’t selected until the No. 54 pick in the 2002 NHL Draft. “Bad scouts,” he joked.
Though all the honored guests were clearly overwhelmed to be there, perhaps Thornton enjoyed the day the most. In addition to talking about his career, he was also asked about being a mentor to Auston Matthews when Thornton played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and now being one to Celebrini, selected No. 1 in the 2024 NHL Draft by the Sharks, for whom Thornton played 1,104 of his 1,714 NHL games.
Celebrini, who entered Saturday leading the NHL with 23 points (nine goals, 14 assists) is living with Thornton and his family, including their dog.
“It’s good, it’s all good,” Thornton said. “We have a Bernedoodle. We just enjoy our time together.”
And Thornton clearly enjoys spreading his love of the game to those still finding their place in it.
Even though the Hall of Fame fan forum is here Sunday afternoon and the induction ceremony is Monday, Thornton took a side trip Saturday night, heading 125 miles to his hometown of St. Thomas, Ontario, for the Joe Thornton Tribute Game at the Joe Thornton Community Centre featuring the St. Thomas Stars of the Greater Ontario Hockey League.
The team, coached by former NHL player Jason Williams, was to wear throwback jerseys resembling those worn in the mid-1990s when Thornton played in St. Thomas.
Just another example of Thornton, like his Hall of Fame classmates, making an impact long after their careers have ended.
“He’s done so much for the game of hockey and had such an amazing career,” Williams told CTV News London, “and it started here in St. Thomas.”
