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.

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.

Last night was special for the San Jose Sharks organization as they raised Joe Thornton's No. 19 banner to the rafters, but it meant even more to Macklin Celebrini.