Chris Thorburn's journey in professional hockey is marked by his role as a reliable and gritty forward. Born on June 3, 1983, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Thorburn began his path to the NHL through the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he played for the North Bay Centennials and the Plymouth Whalers. His performance in the OHL caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the Buffalo Sabres in the second round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
Thorburn's NHL career officially began with the Sabres, but he spent much of his early professional years honing his skills in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Rochester Americans. His time in the AHL was crucial for his development, allowing him to refine his physical style of play and establish himself as a dependable team player.
In 2006, Thorburn's career took a significant turn when he was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins. During his time with the Penguins, he played a supporting role, contributing to the team's depth and physical presence on the ice. His tenure with Pittsburgh was relatively short, but it provided him with valuable NHL experience.
The Atlanta Thrashers acquired Thorburn in 2007, marking the beginning of a long and stable period in his career. With the Thrashers, and later the Winnipeg Jets after the franchise relocated in 2011, Thorburn became known for his toughness and willingness to stand up for his teammates. His role often involved engaging in physical play and providing energy on the ice, making him a respected figure in the locker room.
Thorburn's time with the Jets solidified his reputation as a dependable fourth-line forward. He was known for his work ethic and ability to contribute in various situations, whether it was penalty killing or providing a physical presence. Over the years, he became a fan favorite in Winnipeg, admired for his dedication to the team and his community involvement.
In 2017, Thorburn's career took another turn when he was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL Expansion Draft. However, he was quickly traded to the St. Louis Blues, where he continued to play his role as a veteran presence and enforcer. His time with the Blues culminated in a memorable achievement when the team won the Stanley Cup in 2019. Although Thorburn did not play in the playoffs, his contributions during the regular season and his leadership in the locker room were valued by his teammates.
After the 2018-2019 season, Thorburn announced his retirement from professional hockey. His career spanned over a decade in the NHL, during which he played more than 800 games. Known for his physical style and team-first mentality, Thorburn left a lasting impression on the teams he played for and the fans who supported him.
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