Tim Thomas Returns To The Bruins

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Tyler Ball
August 8, 2023 (9:09 PM)

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Tim Thomas is one of the best goaltenders in Boston Bruins history. His performance in the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs including his Conn Smythe win.

In the most recent episode of 'Bear Tracks' hosted by Eric Russo Thomas talked about how excited he was to be a part of the Bruins' Centennial celebration.

"It's something I'm looking forward to," said Thomas, speaking from his new home in Barre, Vermont. "It's going to be good to see some old teammates. The Bruins have planned a lot of great events, so it should be an enjoyable season."

Thomas was also a part of rebuilding YouthBuild's facility in Barre after it was damaged by severe floods throughout Vermont.

"It's been a wonderful experience," Thomas shared with Russo. "I got introduced to YouthBuild, a remarkable organization that's making a positive impact on numerous young individuals, guiding them towards a brighter future. Being able to lend a hand was truly rewarding."

Thomas has stayed largely out of the public eye since retiring. His one public appearance was during the 2019 USA Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony where he was honored.

"Many know by now that I don't have much to say publicly," Thomas acknowledged during a conference call with reporters on September 4, 2019. "I've opted to keep my personal endeavors private, both now and likely indefinitely."

Thomas' exit from Boston was quite unceremonious a trade to the New York Islanders where he would not play followed by a signing with the Florida Panthers. After how things ended in Boston Thomas said he did not envision a reunion between himself and the organization

"I just don't see it," Thomas remarked in 2019. "I have other interests. I have a totally different focus. I live in a different world now compared to the hockey world I inhabited before. I'm quite far away from Boston, and travel doesn't hold the same appeal for me anymore.

It's not a reflection on the Boston Bruins or their fans, especially. My goodness, they supported me wholeheartedly during my time there, to the point where it was overwhelming."

Despite this Thomas will return to Boston to be honored for the Bruins Centennial celebration. This will allow the fans to give him a proper send-off that he did not receive before.