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‘I would say I gave up at least 100 times’: Tim Thomas said concussion debilitated him, even leading to suicidal thoughts

WASHINGTON — Alternately emotional, relaxed, and at times witty, former Bruins goalie Tim Thomas spoke at length here Thursday, detailing for the first time his struggle with psychological and neurological issues dating back to his final NHL season of 2013-14.

More than eight years removed from his Stanley Cup-winning performance with the Bruins in 2011, Thomas spoke openly and earnestly about the effects of what he described as a traumatic brain injury he sustained when hit by a shot to his head in pregame warmups in December 2013, during his short tenure with the Florida Panthers.

His journey to recovering his mental and physiological health has been an odyssey, said Thomas, one that led him at times to ponder taking his own life.