When hockey legend Joe Thornton was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, a piece of Northern Ontario was there with him.
A hand-painted feather gifted by Doug Cheechoo of Timmins and created by artist John Reuben of Moose Factory was given to Thornton on Sunday (Nov. 9).
The artwork, featuring two portraits of Thornton and his jersey number 19, was presented during Thornton’s Hall of Fame breakfast.
Thornton played 24 seasons in the NHL with teams including the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers. He was one of eight inductees in the Hall’s Class of 2025.
Cheechoo, who attended the induction as Thornton’s guest, said the idea for the artwork came from a place of friendship and respect.
“Being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame is one of the highest achievements one can earn in hockey,” he said.
“I just thought Joe was well deserving of a gift. In the Indigenous perspective, when someone achieves something in life, we give gifts to show that.”
Cheechoo said he’s known the Thornton family for years through his nephew, former NHL player Jonathan Cheechoo, who played alongside Thornton with the San Jose Sharks.
“Back in the day, when Jonathan was playing with the Sharks, my family and I would travel to watch him play in different cities, and we’d always run into Joe’s parents, Wayne and Mary Thornton,” Cheechoo said.
“We’ve always kept in touch, and we’ve built a friendship over the years. The Thornton family is so genuine and down to earth.”
Cheechoo had previously attended Thornton’s jersey retirement ceremony in Sault Ste. Marie, where he played for the Soo Greyhounds, and said he was determined not to miss his Hall of Fame moment.
“When it was announced that he was being inducted, Joe’s parents reached out to me and said, ‘Are you coming?’ I made sure I wasn’t going to miss it,” Cheechoo said.
Reuben, who is known for his detailed feather paintings, was honoured to be tasked with the request.
“He asked if I could do a painting for Joe’s gift. I had no clue how it would turn out, but I was surprised — it turned out well,” Reuben said.
Painting on a feather is a delicate, multi-step process, he said.
“Feathers have natural oils that make them waterproof, so they have to dry and be treated before painting,” Reuben said.
“Then I apply a base to stiffen the feather, because it bends easily. Once it’s ready, I use tiny brushes for the detail work. It’s about three or four steps.”
Reuben spent about five days on the piece, carefully selecting reference photos of moments where Thornton had scored.
“It’s tricky because it’s such a small surface. I looked through about a hundred photos to pick the ones that fit the shape of the feather and had the right lighting,” he said.
Thornton texted Cheechoo after receiving the gift:
“You’re the BEST Doug, beyond beautiful, thank you!!”
For Cheechoo, seeing Thornton's reaction made the moment even more special.
“When John finished the artwork, I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “When I presented it to Joe, he just loved it. He was over the moon. Even I had to take a double look and say, ‘Holy moly,’ the detail on that feather was just amazing.”
Reuben, who now shares his artwork under John Reuben Art, said his passion for painting began as a child in Moose Factory, sketching wildlife on scraps of cardboard when his family couldn’t afford art supplies.
He said the experience was both meaningful and unexpected.
“I actually thought it would just be a quiet gift to Joe, done privately,” he said. “When Doug shared the pictures of the presentation, I was very surprised and honoured.”