Lost track of Lenny after he retired.  He was a gentle man and always positive.  Remember sitting on a bus with him going to some SF outing.   Can’t remember our conversation but remember the feeling when we got there.  He made me feel confident about my career as a new manager.   Thank you Linny… you will be missed. 
David Dailey, retired mgr, AFE, & agent.   Columbus, In

To the Thornson Family
So sorry to hearabout Len's passing.  Our hearts and prayers go out to you. He was not only a great hockey player but a great person.  He taught me so much about playing hockey as a young boy.  I can still see him coming down the ice and beating countless defensemen with his great stickhandling skills.  I always enjoyed the conversation we had over the years when I was in  Fort Wayne.  
Ron Ullyot 

My first memories were of Komet hockey and the player that I can still see on the ice is Lenny. There are just moments and memories we all have. Lenny added both to everyone who met him. My Dad kept me updated throughout the years thanks to the weekly breakfast the Komet Oldtimers had.  I was so thrilled to see him when the Komets had their big reunion a few years back. I will never forget what an incredible man he was. Love and empathy to the Thornson family. 

Just wanted to say thank you for sharing such wonderful memories. Again prayers sent to the Thornson family. And much love 

Where do I start? The entire Thornson family was so kind to everyone who passed there way. Len I meant when I was very young.  He played hockey with my dad. They truly enjoyed the sport. About 6 months ago I ran into Len at the doctors again so kind so Humble. He knew my name and ask how I was doing. Wow! Just wow. He will truly be missed . Im blessed to have known the Thornson family. Prayers and much love sent sent your way. Thank you Len for all
The hockey memories and being just you! 

Thoughts and prayers for the family from all the families at Bussick Orthodontics Braces and Invisalign 

Found this online, didn't realize your Dad was such a star Mike! 
 Sorry to hear of his passing, he had to be a great man to have taught you to be so humble, as you've never shared that your Dad was the greatest Komet ever!  I wish I could have seen him play, but I didn't start watching pro hockey until the 80's (Racers/Checkers/Etc.)  God Bless you and yours and may your Dad be playing hockey in heaven with all the greats!

Three Stars Of The ECHL: Fort Wayne Komets  September 1, 2020  Adam Michael Craig

The ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets have a rich history of playing professional hockey. The K’s have been around for 68 years in which they have spanned five different league: IHL (AAA), UHL, IHL (AA), CHL, and currently, the ECHL. There are only seven teams older than the Fort Wayne Komets, the NHL’s Original Six and the AHL’s Hershey Bears.

I have been chosen to write an article on the top three players who laced up the skates for the Fort Wayne Komets and scored their way into the history books.

Len Thornson

The very first player on this list is no other than the greatest player to ever sport a Fort Wayne Komet sweater. That player is Len Thornson. Number 11 has his jersey hung in the rafters as he holds every scoring record for the orange and black.

During his time with the team, Thornson compiled 412 goals while also adding 807 assists. This made for an outstanding mark of 1219 points. Clearly, if the NHL had more teams, the forward would have been a star.

Thornson was the IHL all-time leading scorer until their last season when they ceased operations. Truly one of the greats of mid-level professional hockey. While in the IHL, Len helped the Komets to Turner Cup Championships in 1963 and 1965. The Hockey News magazine also recognized Thornson as the IHL’s greatest player.

OBITUARY

Thomas Leonard Thornson

4 February, 1933 – 12 December, 2021

D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Lakeside Park

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