Why is Joe Thornton called Jumbo? Are Scott and Joe Thornton related?

Why is Joe Thornton called Jumbo? Are Scott and Joe Thornton related? – Joe Thornton is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played for the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL).

He was selected first overall by the Bruins in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft and went on to play 24 seasons in the league, retiring in 2023.

Thornton is widely regarded as one of the best passers of all time, and he is one of only seven players in history with 1,100 NHL assists. He also finished his career with 430 goals, giving him 1,539 points, which ranks 12th all-time.

Thornton won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP and the Art Ross Trophy as leading scorer in 2005-06. He was also a four-time NHL All-Star and an Olympic gold medalist with Canada in 2010.

Despite never winning a Stanley Cup, Thornton is considered one of the greatest players of his generation. He was a dominant force on the ice for over two decades, and he leaves behind a legacy as one of the most skilled and productive players in NHL history.

Why is Joe Thornton called Jumbo?

Joe Thornton is commonly known as “Jumbo Joe,” a nickname that is a nod to his large stature and to Jumbo the elephant, who died in St. Thomas, Ontario, where Thornton was raised.

The nickname was allegedly given to him by Boston sportswriter Kevin Paul Dupont. Dupont claims that the name derived from Jumbo the elephant, who died in a train accident in Thornton’s hometown of St. Thomas, Ontario, 94 years before Thornton was born.

The nickname fits Thornton’s large persona and his power forward style of play.

Thornton is one of the best passers of all time, and he is one of only seven players in history with 1,100 NHL assists.

Are Scott and Joe Thornton related?

Yes, Scott Thornton and Joe Thornton are related. They are first cousins, as their fathers are brothers. Scott Thornton is a former NHL player who played for several teams, including the San Jose Sharks, where he played alongside his cousin Joe.

Joe Thornton is a Canadian former professional ice hockey center who last played for the Florida Panthers. He has previously played for the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, and Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL).

On October 28, 2023, Thornton officially announced his retirement from the NHL. He did so in a video released by the San Jose Sharks, the team with which he spent the majority of his career.