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Shawn Thornton Gets Standing Ovation From Bruins Fans At TD Garden

By Catherine Silverman

Nov 4, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Florida Panthers right wing Shawn Thornton (22) skates on the ice during warm ups prior to the game against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Florida Panthers right wing Shawn Thornton (22) skates on the ice during warm ups prior to the game against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Bruins fans gave now-Florida Panthers forward Shawn Thornton a standing ovation when the two teams met this week.

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The Florida Panthers skated out at TD Garden Tuesday evening, and Boston fans gave former Bruins fourth liner and fan favorite Shawn Thornton a standing ovation. Thornton failed to get re-signed by Boston during free agency this summer due to cap space limitations, and subsequently received a $1.2 million dollar deal with the team’s division rivals in Florida.

As a Boston Bruins fan since childhood, even I teared up a bit seeing the warm reception Boston fans gave Thornton.

The player is known throughout the Boston area not only for his on-ice grit and locker room leadership, but for the amount of time he spends giving back to the New England community. Even after signing with the Panthers this summer, he hosted his annual golf tournament in Mass. to raise money for the Shawn Thornton Foundation, which raises money for the American Parkinson’s Association and for cancer research.

Thornton made it clear that he wouldn’t forget his Boston friends and fans, and Boston hasn’t forgotten him. His parents even flew in to watch his first game back at TD Garden.

Now, if only he can net a goal while Florida still manages to lose… Boston fans can go home happy.

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