Tim Thomas confirms that he's taking year off

Bruins goalie Tim Thomas appears to be planning to take a year off from NHL competition. Thomas released a statement on his Facebook page that indicated he was going to focus on other priorities:

"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.

On top of this, I will continue to train using the ARP/POV system www.ultrafitevosport.com and work with G-Form www.g-form.com in the development of protective equipment.

What does this portend for the future?

We'll see….God's will be done.
"

Reports that Thomas would take a year off first emerged earlier this week.

Thomas went 35-19-1 with a 2.36 goals against average and a .920 save percentage in 59 games with the Bruins this past season. The 38-year-old won the Vezina award as the NHL's best goaltender in 2009 and 2011 and took home a Conn Smythe award along with the Stanley Cup in 2011.

Thomas has one year left on his current contract, with a $5 million cap hit for the 2012-13 season. The no-movement clause that is a part of his deal expires on July 1.