Gritty enforcer nearly 'sprained finger' signing new contract.

DETAILS INSIDE

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 7 years ago
Gritty enforcer nearly 'sprained finger' signing new contract.
Images Courtesy of Keystone Press

To say Shawn Thornton is happy for another opportunity would be quite the understatement.

The gritty Florida Panthers' enforcer is excited to have the chance to continue his career for one more season with an up-and-coming team.

“On paper we look great. So that and a buck fifty will get you a Starbucks, so we still have to perform,” Panthers forward Shawn Thornton told CBS Boston on Monday. “But you can tell they’re committed to trying to win and making steps on last year. I thought the hockey gods weren’t with us a little bit last year in the playoffs. I thought that we dominated the majority of that series and we deserved to win it. We didn’t. But I’m glad that they had confidence in the group and tried to improve on it so we can hopefully make another step forward next year.”

Thornton is now 39 and is looking forward to another chance to contribute to the team in any way he can. The Panthers have put themselves in good shape for the future with a team full of young talent, who recently gained valuable playoff experience. The Cats' lost in the first round of the playoffs to the New York Islanders in six games and Thornton had planned to retire after the season's end. However the Panthers thought it wise to offer him a one-year deal in hopes of him mentoring the young squad. Needless to say, he jumped at the opportunity.

“When they offered another year I sprained my finger signing the thing before they changed their minds,” Thornton said.

Although Thornton has embraced Florida and may take a position with the team once his playing career comes to an end, his heart and home remain in Boston. He was a fan favourite during his time with the Boston Bruins and still loves to return to contribute to the various charities he has in the area.

“I miss it here. When I come back it’s nostalgic,” said Thornton, prior to the start of his foundation’s charity golf tournament, Punches for Parkinson’s Golf Tournament in the Boston area. “Every time I walk into my condo, I’m like ‘God, I miss it here.’ Very spoiled to be able to have two places. Hopefully I can continue to keep them.”

The Bruins have missed the playoffs for two straight seasons and if they hope to qualify this season, they will likely have to go through Thornton and the Panthers to do it.

[pub]


Source: CBS Boston