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.

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.

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.

Sharks fans are getting ready to honor a legend on the ice as the team and the city are holding a “Joe Thornton Retirement Weekend.”

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.

Jumbo Joe made everyone in attendance emotional. With tears flowing, he thanked every single person who had crossed paths with him. From former teammates, coaches, mentors, and his family, the future Hall of Famer made sure not to leave anyone out who had an impact on him and his career.

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.

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.