Joe Thornton spent a career setting up his teammates with the perfect passes that helped them score goals.
His jersey retirement ceremony Saturday was an opportunity for his former San Jose teammates to dish out the compliments for his play, leadership and friendship in tributes that repeatedly forced him to wipe away tears on an emotional afternoon.
\"The best thing hockey ever gave me -- friends for life,\" Thornton said during a lengthy speech that included thanks to his former teammates, coaches, executives and family members that helped him throughout his career.
Via ESPN.com