Vegas Golden Knights forward Tomas Hertl spoke about the San Jose Sharks retiring Joe Thornton’s number.
Hertl played seven seasons with the future Hall of Famer, starting his career on his wing. The centerman told Golden Knight reporters what Saturday means to him.
Quotes provided by Paul Delos Santos.
“I was really lucky because I started my real career, the first match, with him. He was my center, so I was lucky that I could start with a player like him. I’m just really happy for him because it was not just playing with him, but what he gave me,” said Hertl. “Just being in the room, he’s one of the best guys, and I always enjoy being in the same room with him because he likes to joke around. makes.”
Hertl admired Thornton’s work ethic and, of course, his passing.
“He’s a sweetheart. He works so hard. He’s worked so hard his whole life, but that’s why he’s had such a great career and he’s a great teammate,” Hertl said. “He helped me, especially in the beginning of my career. He passed me a lot of goals and stuff, so I’m just really happy for him.”
Hertl and Thornton were both fan favorites in San Jose for their infectious smiles and great play on the ice. To this day, Hertl says he can’t believe he got to play with Thornton in his NHL debut.
“It was time for the national anthem. I looked to my left and there was ‘Jumbo’ next to me. At that moment I still couldn’t believe it. I’m in the NHL playing with Joe Thornton. So that will always be a nice memory. We laughed a lot over the years and during the games, and it was just great,” said Hertl.
The Golden Knights forward said he plans to call his former linemate sometime before Thornton’s iconic No. 19 enters the rafters of SAP Center on Saturday.
“I should probably call him, but I will text him with the jersey coming because he has given me so much in my career. He helped me the first few years and I learned a lot from him too.” Hertl said.
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