Black Sticks veteran retires

Black Sticks midfielder Dave Kosoof today announced his retirement from the national hockey team.

In a career spanning nine years, Kosoof notched up 149 caps for New Zealand, with career highlights including being a silver medallist at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, and competing at the Olympics in 2004 and 2008.

National coach Shane McLeod said Kosoof, 31, had been a valued team member and would not be replaced easily.

Kosoof has been working for North Harbour Hockey as coach force and regional development officer for the past four months. He said the full-time commitment had made it difficult to train, and he "just knew" it was time to retire.

He will continue to play at National Hockey League level and hopes to defend the title North Harbour won this year.

- NZPA