from Craig Custance of ESPN,

The folks in Joe Thornton's inner circle are torn. They want outsiders to know the kind of guy Thornton truly is, to learn that the San Jose Sharks center has as big a heart as any superstar in hockey. But they realize he's more than content to keep that part of his personality private.

"He helps people, but it's just to help people, not for other people to find out about it," said his brother, John. "That's the thing."

There might not be a more generous superstar in hockey -- with his time, his money, his willingness to include those around him. But you'll never hear Thornton talk about it.

"That's what makes him so special," said former Sharks defenseman Douglas Murray, a close friend. "Some guys, you tell the story and they make a big deal out of it. The big story with Joe is that's not why he does it. He just does things because he's a genuinely nice, kind-hearted person."

Still, his friends and family are eager to correct the public perception of Thornton, which is often skewed.

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