Thornton, Chara, Keith, Mogilny Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame
TORONTO — Joe Thornton, renowned for his distinctive style and exceptional talent, has officially joined the Hockey Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place on March 4, 2025, where Thornton was celebrated alongside fellow inductees Zdeno Chara, Duncan Keith, Alexander Mogilny, Jennifer Botterill, and Brianna Decker in the player category. Additionally, Jack Parker and Danièle Sauvageau were honored as builders of the sport.
Celebrated Careers and Memorable Moments
Thornton, affectionately known as “Jumbo Joe,” made his NHL debut at just 18 years old, selected first overall by the Boston Bruins in the 1997 NHL Draft. His career took a significant turn following a trade to the San Jose Sharks, where he spent 14 seasons. During this period, he won the scoring title and the Hart Trophy as league MVP in the 2005-06 season. He is notably one of only three players in NHL history to lead the league in assists for three consecutive seasons.
Reflecting on his childhood, Thornton shared an emotional moment during his induction speech, stating, “As long as I can remember, my year consisted of going from road hockey right to the backyard rink. There was only one season for me — it was hockey season.” Over his illustrious career, Thornton amassed a remarkable 1,539 points in 1,714 regular-season games, placing him 12th all-time in scoring and seventh in assists. He also secured Olympic gold with Canada in 2010.
Chara, standing tall at six-foot-nine, was drafted by the New York Islanders in 1996 before moving to the Ottawa Senators and ultimately making his mark with the Boston Bruins. As captain from 2006 to 2020, Chara led the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 2011. He also represented his country in three Olympic Games and seven world championships, earning the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman in 2009.
In a heartfelt statement, Chara recalled his humble beginnings in Slovakia, saying, “Growing up in a small town in Trencin, you don’t dream about nights like this. You dream about a patch of ice that doesn’t melt before we finish practice.” He concluded his career with stints at the Washington Capitals and a return to the Islanders.
Honoring Legends of the Game
Duncan Keith, a cornerstone of the Chicago Blackhawks for 16 seasons, also received his well-deserved recognition. Throughout his career, Keith helped lead the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup championships and earned Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014. He was a two-time winner of the Norris Trophy and received the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2015. In his speech, Keith emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, “You can’t chase a dream alone. You lift it with everybody that ever lifted you.”
Jennifer Botterill, a standout in women’s hockey, was celebrated for her contributions to the sport, having represented Canada at four Olympics and winning three gold medals. “Every time I was on the ice playing, they said they could see my smile through the cage,” Botterill reflected, highlighting her lifelong passion for hockey.
Brianna Decker also made her mark, winning gold at the 2018 Winter Olympics and multiple world championships. She expressed her gratitude, stating, “Hockey has given me so much, lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and now this incredible honor.”
Meanwhile, Mogilny, who chose not to attend the ceremony, left a recorded message to convey his appreciation. A former Soviet player who defected to the United States in 1989, Mogilny set career highs with the Buffalo Sabres in the 1992-1993 season, scoring 76 goals and totaling 127 points.
Jack Parker and Danièle Sauvageau were also honored for their significant contributions off the ice. Parker led the Boston University men’s program for decades, winning three national championships, while Sauvageau made history as the first female builder inducted into the Hall.
The 2025 induction ceremony highlighted the diverse paths and extraordinary achievements of these hockey legends, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport. As they join the ranks of the Hall of Fame, their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of players and fans alike.
