Accomplished Black Sticks defender and Athens Olympian Wayne McIndoe has announced his retirement from international hockey.

McIndoe last played for New Zealand in March 2005, when he captained a young Black Sticks development side against Malaysia in Auckland and Hamilton.

McIndoe, who was named Auckland Men's Player of the year, said that the time was right to call it a day on international hockey, though he would continue to play Auckland club hockey for Southern next year and would assess playing in the 2007 National Hockey League closer to the time.

ÔÇÿIt is the right time for me,' he said. ÔÇÿAt the beginning of 2006 I was hopeful of playing at the Commonwealth games and World Cup but due to other commitments I couldn't make myself available for either.'

ÔÇÿLooking forward I would need to be available for the next Olympic campaign through to Beijing. I couldn't see myself in Beijing. So it is a combination of other things happening in my life and not wanting to compromise my personal and the team standards by playing on.'

ÔÇÿThe team has also gone through a number of changes with players and coaches. I have had strong friendships with players retiring or moving on to new challenges. Change is good and refreshing for the team and I wish them all the best for Beijing,' he said.

McIndoe said he had enjoyed being part of a team that developed into a competitive international side and had earned the respect of the top nations. Highlights were winning a Silver medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, playing at the 2004 Athens Olympics and Champions Trophy.

Black Sticks Men's Coach Kevin Towns paid tribute to McIndoe's contribution over the years: ÔÇÿWayne has been an influential member of the team both on and off the field,' he said. ÔÇÿHis tactical knowledge has been a key factor in the development of the Black Sticks game. We have missed his on field direction and calmness along with his unique sense of timing and creativity on attack. His leadership will also be missed in the future.'

McIndoe (34) has played 111 games for New Zealand since debuting at the 1998 Commonwealth Games. He has played at two Commonwealth Games, (ÔÇÿ98 and ÔÇÿ02), one Olympics (ÔÇÿ04), three Sultan Azlan Shah tournaments (ÔÇÿ99, ÔÇÿ00 and ÔÇÿ03), one Champions Challenge ('03) and one Champions Trophy ('04).

Source: New Zealand Hockey


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