Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Boston Bruins star goaltender Tim Thomas confirmed on his Facebook page Sunday that he will be taking a year off from hockey.
Thomas confirmed the hiatus with the following statement.
"From the earliest age I can remember, I've wanted to be a hockey player. I've been blessed in my life to not only be able to live that dream, but to achieve more than I ever thought possible.
"The singleminded focus that is necessary to accomplish a dream of this magnitude entails (by necessity) sacrifice in other areas and relationships in life.
"At the age of 38, I believe it is time to put my time and energies into those areas and relationships that I have neglected. That is why at this time I feel the most important thing I can do in my life is to reconnect with the three F's.
"Friends, Family, and Faith.
"This is what I plan on doing over the course of the next year."
Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli confirmed reports on Friday that Thomas was seriously thinking about not playing in 2012-13.
Thomas has one year left on his current deal, which carries a $5 million cap hit for the 2012-13 season. The no-movement clause that is a part of the deal expires July 1.
The 38-year-old went 35-19-1 with a 2.36 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage this past season. In the playoffs, he had a 2.14 GAA and a .923 save percentage. Boston lost in seven games to Washington in the first round.
Thomas won the 2009 and 2011 Vezina Trophy, and has a 196-121-45 record and 2.48 GAA in 378 career games with the Bruins. In 50 postseason games, he holds a 29-21 mark with a 2.07 GAA.
Thomas won the 2011 Conn Smythe Trophy after leading Boston to its first Stanley Cup title since 1972.
Boston's backup goalie Tuukka Rask becomes a restricted free agent on July 1, but the Bruins intend on re-signing him. Rask went 11-8-3 with a 2.05 GAA and .929 save percentage this season.
Thomas' future in the NHL seems to be up in the air.
"What does this portend for the future? We'll see...God's will be done," Thomas said at the end of his statement.
