Tim Thomas Announces 'Hiatus' from Hockey on Facebook: The End Of His Career?

Tim Thomas has unquestionably the most controversial Twitter page of any athlete in America. Over the past year, he has posted numerous times about his political leanings and his feelings on the country's future.

The Boston Bruins management has been at times frustrated and exasperated by their goaltender's online life, but they have always stood behind their man in public. Now it appears that they won't have to deal with him any longer.

Thomas appeared to announce his retirement from hockey Sunday on his Facebook page. Like many of Thomas' previous posts, it is rambling and confusing and hints at actual points without actually making any of them overtly.

Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli told the media on Friday that Thomas was considering taking the 2012-2013 season off, which is his last under contract with the team.

It is unclear from the post if he intends this to be a hiatus or the end of his hockey career, but when his self-imposed year off is over, he will be a 40-year-old goaltender with more than a year of rust on him. In short, not a very attractive free agent if and when he attempts to get back into hockey.

The beginning of Thomas' post read:

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 then went into a semi-sales pitch for a strength training company and a pad manufacturer before ending on a religious note:

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.

TT

Fans commented on the post almost immediately, with most of them wishing him well in his career post hockey. Some questioned if he was actually retiring, as the post is so unclear.

The Bruins have not commented since Chiarelli spoke on Friday, and Thomas himself has not spoken publicly beyond his Facebook posts.