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Joseph Eric Thornton (born July 2 1979 , in London, Ontario ) is a professional Ice Hockey Centre in the National Hockey League (NHL), playing for the San Jose Sharks . He is known for being one of the league's best young centers and Power Forwards of limitless potential. Nicknamed "Jumbo Joe" for his large-body frame, Thornton is well-recognized for his passing prowess, incredible on-ice vision, and ability to make silky-smooth plays. EARLY LIFE As a child, Joe Thornton lived in a suburb of St. Thomas, Ontario known as Lynhurst. A sign that stands there today proclaims the neighbourhood to be his native community. He attended Southwold Public School just outside of St. Thomas, and later attended Central Elgin Collegiate Institute in St. Thomas. Actress Rachel McAdams is also an alumna of that high school and she and Joe have been romantically linked. PLAYING CAREER Drafted 1st overall in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins , Thornton played six seasons for Bruins, his best season coming in 2002-03 when he had 101 points. After a fight in a nightclub in St. Thomas, Ontario, he was charged with assault of a Peace Officer , and ordered to serve community service. During the 2004-05 NHL Lockout , Thornton played for Hockey Club Davos with fellow young Canadian star Rick Nash and won the Swiss ice hockey championship. After Thornton voiced his unhappiness with his contract in Boston in 2005, many teams reportedly sent offers to the Bruins. However, Thornton re-signed with the team on August 11 , 2005, for a three year deal worth US$19.8 million. On November 30 , 2005, Thornton was traded to the San Jose Sharks in a blockbuster four player deal, which sent forwards Marco Sturm and Wayne Primeau and defenceman Brad Stuart to Boston. He is a first cousin to current teammate Scott Thornton . On January 10, 2006, Thornton returned to Boston as a member of the Sharks, but was ejected for checking Bruins' defenseman Hal Gill from behind at 5:13 of the first period. Thornton received a five minute major and a game misconduct. However, many felt that this call was made in error. The misconduct was later rescinded by the NHL. Since his arrival in San Jose, Thornton has dramatically improved the Sharks' fortunes. Thornton made an immediate impact with 14 points in his first 6 games and found instant chemistry with winger Jonathan Cheechoo , often setting up Cheechoo for one-time shots in the slot. With Thornton as his centreman, Cheechoo became a 50-goal scorer and won the Rocket Richard Trophy , much to the surprise of many analysts. Thornton himself would lead the NHL with 96 assists and win the Art Ross Trophy as leading NHL scorer, the first player to do so the same season he was traded. Many believe that he will win the Hart Trophy as league MVP as well. LEADERSHIP IN SAN JOSE During the absence of usual Alternate Captain Alyn McCauley from the San Jose lineup, Joe Thornton donned the "A" in a game against Phoenix on March 30 , 2006 . He has been serving in this role off-and-on since then. His leadership role on the team, letter or not, is unquestionable. Thornton was selected to play for Team Canada at the 2006 Winter Olympics and is a key member of the Canadian National Team. AWARDS
CAREER STATISTICS INTERNATIONAL PLAY Played for Canada in:
International statistics SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS
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