Thornton and 2025 Hall of Fame Legends Reveal Untold Stories Behind Their Legendary Journeys at Ring Ceremony

There’s something electric about those moments when legends get the call — that long-awaited nod from the Hall of Fame that forever cements their place in hockey history. Picture seven members of an illustrious class gathering, each with a unique story about the influences that shaped them and the mark they’ve left behind. At 80, Parker, the Boston University coaching stalwart, lightened the mood with a quip about his age and the timing of the ceremony. Meanwhile, Keith, a three-time Stanley Cup champ with Chicago, poked fun at scouts for letting him slip through the cracks in the 2002 draft. But if anyone soaked it all in the most, it had to be Joe Thornton. Not just reminiscing about a remarkable career, Thornton’s passion for mentoring the next generation — from Auston Matthews to high draft pick Celebrini — shines bright, especially as they share more than just hockey dreams under one roof. Even amidst the Hall of Fame festivities, Thornton’s heart pulls him back to his roots in St. Thomas, Ontario, where the game’s spirit continues to thrive in tribute events and old-school jerseys. This isn’t just about past glories; it’s about a lasting legacy that keeps the game alive and kicking. LEARN MORE

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 is tied for the NHL lead with 24 points (10 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.”