SAN JOSE — San Jose Sharks fans showed up in droves to SAP Center on Saturday to pay tribute to one of hockey’s all-time greats, larger-than-life personality “Jumbo” Joe Thornton. Puckheads throughout the greater Bay Area had the day — now, ...

Thornton joins longtime teammate Patrick Marleau as the only players to have their jerseys retired by the Sharks. It’s fitting that they are side by side as the entered the NHL as the top two picks in the 1997 draft and spent 13 seasons together in San Jose.

Celebrini is probably a little way off before he starts to wear a letter for the Sharks, but it seems to be a safe bet that he’ll be the team’s captain one day. When that happens, he’ll have to start to take charge of the room, holding guys accountable while also making sure the team’s culture is where it needs to be – just like Thornton did.

So, on the day his No. 19 would be retired and hoisted into the arena rafters by the San Jose Sharks, why would he start now? “San Jose, give me that love!” he screamed into the microphone after strutting onto the stage.

Joe Thornton was given the ultimate respect by the San Jose Sharks Saturday night, as the team he is most identified with retired his No. 19 jersey just before a game against the Buffalo Sabres at SAP Arena.

In officially proclaiming this Saturday as Joe Thornton Day, Mahan not only mentioned the longtime centerman’s accomplishments during a Hockey Hall of Fame-caliber career but also noted his less-known philanthropic work, specifically with the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Joe Thornton's iconic No. 19 is officially in the rafters of the SAP Center, and the greatest San Jose Sharks player of all time has now become the second player in team history to earn the honor of a retired jersey number.

Thornton joins longtime teammate Patrick Marleau as the only players to have their jerseys retired by the Sharks. It’s fitting that they are side by side as the entered the NHL as the top two picks in the 1997 draft and spent 13 seasons together in San Jose.

With his pinpoint passing, infectious joy and signature beard, Joe Thornton became the face of the Sharks franchise and was honored with his No. 19 jersey being raised to the rafters.

Sharks legend Joe Thornton's jersey retirement ceremony officially staked his claim as a franchise legend, while offering blissful nostalgia of the franchises golden era.