Tim Thomas On Making Team USA: 'Been Waiting My Whole Life'

Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas found out Friday morning he had made Team USA. If he hadn’t, it fans may have seen a tear-jerker live.

“I found out this morning, but obviously I had to keep it quiet, which is good, because I was able to control my emotions,” said Thomas, 35. “I think I would have been a blubbering mess on national television if I would have found out right before.”

Thomas joins netminders Ryan Miller and Jonathan Quick on the Team USA squad. The Olympics begin Feb. 26 in Vancouver, B.C.

“This will go down as one of the most memorable days of my life and my career. Between winning and the way that we won (the Winter Classic), and being named to the U.S. Olympic team … I feel like I’ve been waiting my whole life for this opportunity.”

Despite a questionable check Thomas delivered in the second period that allowed a goal, Thomas was strong in net for the Bruins, stopping 24 shots.

Thomas said he expects the starting goaltender for Team USA to be the hottest one at the time.

“It will come down to who plays the best in the last couple of weeks leading into the Olympics,” he said. “It’s not a battle against each other so much as it is a battle to ourselves to both be at the top of our game heading into that Olympic stretch.”