The St. Thomas Stars are sporting a new look this season — and it comes with a nod to one of their most celebrated alumni.
The Junior B hockey club has unveiled a new third jersey inspired by the team’s mid-1990s design, worn during the years when NHL great Joe Thornton skated for the Stars. The throwback design was launched just as Thornton is set to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame later this year.
“Those jerseys will serve as an alternate for us throughout the season,” said assistant general manager Kevin Linker. “It’s something we’ve talked about for a while — a way to honor the heritage and legacy of junior hockey in St. Thomas.”
Thornton played for the Stars as a 15-year-old before moving on to the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and eventually a 24-season NHL career. “With Joe going into the Hall of Fame this year, it just felt like the perfect time to bring back that jersey,” said Linker. “We’re really excited about it.”
The team is also entering a new era behind the bench, following the hiring of head coach Jason Williams, a former NHL forward with nearly 500 games played.
Linker said fans can expect a team that’s structured, focused, and hard-working. “Jason takes a lot of pride in the details — how players execute within systems,” he said. “We’ve got a young group this year, but they’re eager to learn and excited to play.” Linker described the roster as fast and disciplined, and said the organization is hopeful for a strong season ahead.
We’ll see how the team will continue the rest of the season under this coach and dressed in this new gear.
