Forwarded from UVM Athletics

Former Catamount Tim Thomas Wins NHL's Top Goalie Award 
June 19, 2009

Thomas Interview | Bruins Awards Video | Boston Globe Article
BURLINGTON, Vt. - Former University of Vermont standout Tim Thomas '97 was awarded the Vezina Trophy - given annually to the top goaltender in the National Hockey League - on Thursday at the 2009 NHL Awards Show in Las Vegas. Thomas, who captured 22 of 30 possible first-place votes, helped lead the Boston Bruins to a 53-19-10 mark this season and the most points in the Eastern Conference.

Thomas set a career high with 36 wins this year and played in his second straight NHL All-Star Game. He finished the 2008-09 regular season as the league leader in goals against average (2.10) and save percentage (.933). He led the Bruins to their highest victory (53) and points (116) totals since 1971-72, and he and teammate Manny Fernandez also shared the NHL's William Jennings Trophy as the goaltenders for the club finishing the regular season having surrendered the fewest goals (196).

Thomas played in all 11 postseason games for the Bruins this year, finishing with the playoff's best goals against average (1.85) and second best Save Percentage (.935). Thomas is just the second Bruin goaltender in the last 50-years to capture the Vezina, joining Pete Peeters who won in 1983.

Thomas played for the Catamounts from 1993-1997 and is first or second in every major goaltending category at Vermont. In 1996, he earned the Ken Dryden ECAC Goalie of the Year Award on his way to helping the Catamounts reach their first-ever Frozen Four appearance. Thomas was an NCAA All-American in 1995 and 1996. He is the all-time leader in saves (3,950), wins (81) and games played (140) at UVM.