Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas has always had one of the most outspoken Facebook pages for an athlete, and on Sunday the world-class netminder decided to use the social media forum to announce his one-year leave from the NHL.
In a Facebook post, Thomas announce his plans to take a year off from the game and begin focusing on other more personal things in his life.
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.
Thomas' statement comes days after Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli confirmed he had talked with the goalie and there was a strong possibility Thomas would miss the 2012-13 season.
With Thomas "officially" gone, Boston will move on with goaltenders Tuukka Rask and Anton Khudobin. Rask had been the backup for Thomas and saw a lot of action last season, while Khudobin played well in the AHL.
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