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.

His jersey retirement ceremony Saturday was an opportunity for his former San Jose teammates to dish out the compliments for his play, leadership, and friendship in tributes that repeatedly forced him to wipe away tears on an emotional afternoon.

Now, with Thornton having announced his retirement last year after finishing as the Sharks' all-time leader in assists (804), second in points (1,055) and third in games played (1,104), this was the chance for a fanbase and a community to say thank you.

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.

Joe Thornton lifted up the Sharks and the people around the team. Now, they get to return the favor, lifting his jersey to the SAP Center rafters.

On Saturday night, the San Jose Sharks officially retired Joe Thornton’s No. 19. In a ceremony held before the team’s game against the Buffalo Sabres, former teammates and friends came out to honor Thornton. For one last time through the Shark Head: Joe Thornton. #19ForeverTeal x #GreatestOfAllTeal pic.twitter.com/lFgzQOEX2T

The San Jose Sharks hosted the Buffalo Sabres on the day of Joe Thornton’s jersey retirement ceremony. Fabian Zetterlund and Luke Kunin scored, but the Sharks lost 3-2 on a”Jumbo” night. Period 1 Celebrini razzle-dazzle leads to a Sabres penalty.

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.