A hero's welcome (VIDEO)

A beloved ex-Bruin will make his return to TD Gardens tonight for the first time since his unpopular release in this year's offseason. Shawn Thornton returns with his new team as the Boston Bruins are set to face off against the stingy Florida Panthers tonight. Thornton played seven seasons for the Bruins and left us fans with countless unforgettable memories. The sheer amount of exciting hits, goals and fights in which he was involved can not be counted. Thornton for one is excited for what lies ahead in his first game as a visiting player in Boston. “It was great while I was here,” Thornton said Tuesday morning. “I’m hoping to get (a good) reception (from the fans). If they do, it’ll be appreciated. That’s for sure.” He was a key element in the Bruins Stanley Cup-winning team in 2010-11. He was also an avid contributor to charities in and around the general Boston area. You should expect nothing less than a hero's welcome for Thornton.