Joe Thornton is a professional ice hockey player from Canada, known for his exceptional passing skills and playmaking ability. Born on July 2, 1979, in St. Thomas, Ontario, he was drafted first overall by the Boston Bruins in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. Over his career, Thornton has played for several teams, including the San Jose Sharks and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Thornton is recognized as one of the top centers in the history of the NHL. He has received numerous awards, including the Hart Memorial Trophy for league MVP in 2006. With a career spanning over two decades, he has consistently been a key contributor to his teams and a fan favorite.