Shawn Thornton (C) in studio with 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich. (Photo by Andrew Celani)

BOSTON (CBS) – The Bruins had to make a tough decision this offseason when they said goodbye to veteran fan favorite Shawn Thornton.

The 36-year-old forward found work just hours after free agency began and will be taking his talents to Florida to play for the Panthers on a two-year deal. Thornton has nothing but love for the city of Boston and has previously said that he’d like to return when his playing days are over.

The enforcer was kind enough to join 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich show for a full two hours on Tuesday morning.

In this first segment, he tells us about his upbringing, getting noticed by scouts and how he broke into and stayed in the National Hockey League.

Listen below: