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, ...

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.

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.

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.

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'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.

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.

In his first media appearance since retirement, former San Jose Sharks captain Joe Pavelski talked to reporters about the lasting impact that Joe Thornton had on him and the organization.

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.