Thornson spent his entire professional hockey career in the International Hockey League (1945–2001), mostly with the Fort Wayne Komets. He also spent part of one season (1956-1957) with the Indianapolis Chiefs and the Huntington Hornets. He was the league all-time leading scorer before Jock Callander broke his record in 2000.
MJHL Second All-Star Team (1953) MJHL Goal Scoring Leader (1953) Turnbull Cup MJHL Championship (1953) IHL Most Valuable Player (1959, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1967, & 1968) IHL Scoring Champion (1962, 1964, & 1967) Turner Cup (IHL) Championships (1963 & 1965) “Honoured Member” of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame Jersey #11 retired by Fort Wayne Komets.
