Yesterday, the 2025 class of the Hockey Hall of Fame was announced. The inductees are Duncan Keith, Alexander Mogilny, Zdeno Chara, Jennifer Botterill, Brianna Decker, and Joe Thornton. Thornton received the news over the phone—and his reaction is now going viral.
Joe Thornton retired in 2022, making this his first year of eligibility for induction into the Hall of Fame. Over 24 NHL seasons, he played 1,714 games with the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers. He won an Olympic gold medal, an Art Ross Trophy, and a Hart Trophy, among other accolades—securing his place in hockey history.
Joe Thornton Hall of Fame
Thornton wasn’t the only first-year-eligible player inducted this year. Duncan Keith and Zdeno Chara also earned the honor in their first year of eligibility.
Thornton got the exciting news in a phone call from fellow Hall of Famers Lanny McDonald and Ron Francis. True to form, Thornton, known for his fun-loving personality, couldn’t contain his excitement.
Hilarious reaction
In the now-viral video of the call, Thornton initially didn’t answer the phone. When he finally did, McDonald joked.
“It’s about time you answered your damn phone. It’s Lanny and Ron Francis. I’m gonna let Ron give you the news—it involves what you’re doing in November.”
“If anything involves hanging with you, Lanny, I’m in,” Thornton replied.
Francis then delivered the big news:
“Hey Joe, I just wanted to let you know that we’re really excited to welcome you into the Hockey Hall of Fame.”
Thornton’s reaction was classic Joe:
“Holy f*ck, Ron. Holy doodle! Holy doodle, boys. Oh my God, I’m shaking. Thanks, boys. Holy moly.”
You can watch the full video of the phone call below.
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