Sharks fans share favorite Joe Thornton moments from time in San Jose

Sharks fans had to say goodbye Friday to Joe Thornton, who signed a one-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs despite the hope he would return to San Jose.

He leaves behind a legacy after spending 15 seasons with the team, but the 41-year-old will continue his Hall of Fame career close to home. With all that time as a member of the San Jose organization, Thornton certainly leaves behind memories.

And while Thornton's former teammates took to social media to talk about how much they’ll miss him in the dressing room, fans did the same thing, responding to our NBC Sports Bay Area Twitter account for their favorite memories of Jumbo.

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Jumbo’s time in San Jose was legendary.

What’s your favorite memory during his run with the Sharks? 🦈 pic.twitter.com/ioONXxHDYf
— NBC Sports Bay Area & CA (@NBCSAuthentic) October 16, 2020

Here are some of the memories fans shared:

The Fin Factor had too many and ran out of characters, but did mention a certain “Rooster comment.”

The Jumbo Slide.
The no look pass to Marleau against Dallas.
Trolling Sedin with a finger to the nose while talking to the ref.
The boys reinacting his hat trick celebration at practice.
Defending Hertl’s 4-goal game with the Rooster comment.
Shirtless Joe.
I ran out of charac...
— The Fin Factor (@TheFinFactor) October 16, 2020

You see, what happened was, back in 2013, Sharks center Tomas Hertl had scored four goals in one game. After the game, Thornton was asked if he thought Hertl was showboating.

“Shut up," Thornton said. "Have you ever played the game?”

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"I’d have my [rooster] out if I scored four goals," Thornton added. "I’d have my [rooster] out, stroking it.”

I’m sure you know what “rooster” means …

One fan wasn’t too sure about Thornton when he was acquired in a 2005 trade with the Boston Bruins.

That attitude quickly changed.

His first game as a Shark. I was unhappy with the trade. His all-out gutsy play from the moment he stepped on the ice in teal won me over. I (and SJ) will miss you, Joe
— Noodlesthepug (@bkteac) October 16, 2020

One fan loves Thornton so much, her daughter sports his No. 19 on her soccer uniform.

My daughter’s favorite player..wears #19 on her soccer jersey. Good luck, Jumbo!
— edh_sharksgal (@lisa_sharksgal) October 16, 2020

One fan mentioned Thornton’s leadership presence. Last season, when Joe Pavelski had a terrible injury where his head hit the ice and was forced to be escorted to the dressing room, Thornton approached the bench and gave them a message.

https://twitter.com/ChesterCheevo/status/1317213878569242625

“You guys go out and you get f---in' three goals right now,'" he said, as recalled by Sharks center Logan Couture. That’s what they did -- only they got four goals.