Mitch Marner Upholds Jumbo’s Legacy with a Focus on Positivity and Perseverance
Mitch Marner has often credited the wisdom of his former Toronto Maple Leafs teammate, Joe Thornton, as a guiding force in shaping his perspective on the game. The two shared the ice during the tumultuous 2020-21 NHL season, a year compressed to just 56 games due to the pandemic. Thornton, who joined the Leafs on a one-year deal, was brought in to provide seasoned leadership for a team that had endured painful first-round playoff exits in previous seasons, facing mounting criticism for their inability to meet expectations.
In a recent interview with VIBE 105.5FM Toronto, held during a charity event, Marner reflected on the profound influence Thornton had on him. He spoke warmly of the former San Jose Sharks captain’s optimistic outlook, which helped him navigate the pressures of professional hockey. Marner recounted how Thornton’s approach taught him to avoid fixating on losses and negativity, emphasizing the importance of resilience and moving forward despite challenges.
“Thornton gave me some good advice, so did Patty Marleau,” Marner shared. “With ‘Jumbo,’ it was just every day positive, happy, just like a child. Enjoy everything and take everything in.” This infectious attitude cultivated a mindset in Marner that transcended the rink, instilling in him the value of enjoying the journey rather than merely focusing on outcomes.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Now a seasoned NHL veteran, Marner carries forward the lessons he learned from Thornton, sharing that wisdom with younger players. His status as an NHL All-Star and remarkable skill set make him a role model for aspiring athletes. The buzz surrounding his Marner Assist Foundation charity events in Vaughan, Ontario, underscores this influence. At these gatherings, young players and fans have the unique opportunity to interact with Marner, seeking guidance and inspiration.
Marner echoes Thornton’s philosophy, stressing the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and staying grounded. He encourages younger players to reframe setbacks, advising them to view challenges through a lens of opportunity. “That’s what I always say, just enjoy every moment. Have a lot of fun at every moment [you can], you don’t know when it could be your last,” Marner stated. “Just have fun with everything going on and enjoy the process, enjoy the moments. Regardless of the situation, just try to always see the positives and make sure you’re working to achieve your goal.”
A Brief but Impactful Legacy
Although Thornton’s time with the Maple Leafs was relatively short, his impact was undeniably significant. At 41 years old, he was positioned on the top line alongside Marner and Auston Matthews, which allowed him to play with two of the team’s most talented offensive players. After a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators, Thornton expressed his enthusiasm for playing alongside Marner and Matthews, highlighting the joy he felt on the ice.
“It’s been so fun with [Marner] and [Matthews],” Thornton remarked. “We have a lot of fun out there and I think we’ll keep growing as a line because we are having fun and we get excited before every game. And I think you can tell each game we’re getting better and that’s a real good sign, but yeah, I love playing with those two kids.”
Through Marner’s commitment to honoring Thornton’s legacy, the spirit of positivity and perseverance continues to resonate within the Maple Leafs organization and beyond, inspiring a new generation of players to cherish the journey of the game.
