Shawn Thornton was in the Boston area again for his annual Putts and Punches charity event. Today’s golf tournament was sponsored by his foundation, and the money raised goes to fighting Parkinson’s disease and cancer. Thornton is the kind of player that the media loves. His straight forward, blunt talk usually makes for good sound bytes and the former Bruins enforcer still talks honestly.
It's finally here! Looking forward to a great day on the links for the 6th Annual #PuttsAndPunches Golf Tournament! pic.twitter.com/86t7nQTHRe
— Shawn Thornton FDN (@ThorntonFDN) August 10, 2015
Thornton was asked about several recent events that affected the Boston Bruins organization. When asked about the whole Dougie Hamilton situation, number 22 answered in his usual direct manner.
“I don’t care, to be completely honest,” said Thornton on Hamilton’s move to the Flames. “He’s not my teammate. He wasn’t last year and he isn’t next year. Listen, I’m a little surprised. I love Boston and for someone to want to get out of it, I don’t get it, especially in the first few years . But it’s his world. He had decisions to make and that’s the one he made. Hopefully he’s happy in Calgary.”
Puck Prose
Shawn Thornton also weighed in on the trade that brought Mass native Jimmy Hayes to Boston and sent Reilly Smith to the Panthers. As Thornton has played with both players, he brought his own insight to the recent Bruins trade.
“You guys are going to love Hayesie,” said a smirking Thornton. “Obviously I played with Smitty, he’s got a ton of speed and a ton of skill. I think the way we were looking to go, we wanted to add some speed to our lineup and he definitely possesses that,” said Thornton. “But Hayesie’s a great kid. He’s going to add a lot of character to that locker room and he’s going to be fun for you guys to talk to.”
Number 22 was usually the Bruin to go to when you wanted a completely honest answer. Knowing that Hayes will continue that tradition is something the fans will certainly love to see and hear.
He even gave Hayes advice about life as a member of the Boston Bruins.
“Stay out of the bar,” said Thornton. “You can’t hide here. Don’t be dancing on tables with your shirt off and bottles of vodka in your hand, like somebody else.”
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Shawn Thornton has made himself a home in Charlestown and has openly stated that he is coming back to Boston after he retires. He’s 38 now, and he knows his career is coming to an end. Still, he wants to play as long as humanely possible. When asked if he was going to be done after this season, Thornton was realistic but held out hope for still playing in the NHL.
“I’m OK either way,” said Thornton on retiring after this season. “I’m going into my 19th year. I’m happy with what’s happened in my career and I’m OK if I have to shut ‘er down.
“If I have a tough year and that’s it, then so be it. But if I happen to have a good year, things work out and somebody wants to give me a paycheck for another year, I’m more than happy. I mean, I love competing, I love the game, I love staying in shape, I love being around the guys. I’ve said it before, I’ll play till they rip the skates off me. If that happens to be summer, then it is. If it’s the summer after, then even better.”