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Shawn Thornton joined the Florida Panthers executive staff on June 1, 2017, after playing three seasons with the club (2014-15 to 2016-17) over his 20-year professional hockey career.

Thornton, 42, began his tenure in the Panthers front office as Vice President, Business Operations and has also served as the organization's Senior Vice President before becoming Chief Commercial Officer in October 2020.

In his role with the Panthers, Thornton oversees and works closely with the team's Community Relations, Public Relations, Game Presentation, Marketing and Corporate Partnership departments.

A proactive leader within the organization, Thornton has contributed greatly to many of the Panthers community efforts ranging from youth hockey to hurricane relief and played a major role in assisting Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and its hockey team following the tragic events at the school on February 14, 2018.

He played in his final NHL game as a member of the Panthers on April 8, 2017, against the Buffalo Sabres. A two-time Stanley Cup champion (2007, 2011), the native of Oshawa, Ontario, appeared in 705 NHL games with the Panthers (2014-15 to 2016-17), Boston Bruins (2007-08 to 2013-14), Anaheim Ducks (2006-07) and Chicago Blackhawks (2002-03 to 2005-06) recording 102 points (42-60-102).

During his playing career with the Panthers, Thornton became the only player in professional hockey history to begin his career after expansion and play in over 700 NHL games and 600 American Hockey League games. He is the only player this century to record 10 fights, score 10 goals and win the Stanley Cup in the same season.

He founded the Shawn Thornton Foundation (@ThorntonFDN) in 2013 and serves as the Foundation's President and Director. The Shawn Thornton Foundation is dedicated to helping find cures for diseases close to his heart, specifically Parkinson's and cancer. Through his foundation, Thornton holds an annual 'Pucks and Punches for Parkinson's' golf event and does charitable work throughout Boston and South Florida.

Thornton resides in Parkland with his wife Erin and their daughters Nora and Ainsley.