The 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame induction class features the tallest player to ever play in the NHL (Zdeno Chara), the first female builder to be inducted (Daniele Sauvageau), and former Sault Ste. Marie Greyhound Joe Thornton. 

Thornton was drafted first overall in 1997 by the Boston Bruins. He was coming off a sensational season with the Greyhounds. Thornton recorded 122 points (41 goals, 81 assists) in 59 regular season games, adding another 19 points (11 goals, 8 assists) in 11 playoff games. He also played for Canada at the 1997 World Junior Championship, winning gold. 

Thornton was named to the OHL and CHL second all-star team that season and received the CHL Top Draft Prospect Award.

Thornton was drafted second overall in 1995 by the Soo and had his No. 19 jersey retired by the organization in 2023. After his rookie season in 1995-96, he took home the Emms Family Award for OHL Rookie of the Year, registering the most points by a U17 player (30 goals, 46 assists). He also won the CHL Rookie of the Year. 

Before joining the Sault Ste. Marie in the OHL, Thornton was a star player for the St. Thomas Stars of the GOHL, which was formerly known as the WOHL. 

Thornton scored 40 goals and 64 assists for 104 points in the 1994-95 season, the most points recorded ever in a single season by a St. Thomas player. 

The Stars welcomed the 2025 Hall of Famer into their locker room before the game on Saturday night to announce the starting lineup and perform the ceremonial puck drop. This special moment honored St. Thomas Thornton in his hometown. The St. Thomas team delivered an entertaining game, defeating the London Nationals with a score of 7-3.

Make sure you bookmark THN's OHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

Latest OHL News:

Tampa Bay Prospect, Guelph Defenseman Suspended Pending League Review Lightning prospect and Guelph Storm defenseman Grant Spada faces suspension after receiving a match penalty for cross-checking earlier this weekend.

U17 World Hockey Challenge Ends: OHL Players Earn Gold And Silver In All-Canadian Final Canadian prospects battled fiercely in an all-Canadian final. OHL talent shone, with Flint Firebirds' Charlie Murata leading the way.

Guelph Storm Set To Retire Dustin Brown's No. 32 Dustin Brown's stellar junior career with the Storm earns him a coveted spot among the organization's greats, with his No. 32 set to be honored later this month.