KEY POINTS:
Accomplished defender Wayne McIndoe yesterday announced his retirement from international hockey.
McIndoe, capped 111 times, last played for New Zealand in March 2005 when he captained a young Black Sticks development side against Malaysia in Auckland and Hamilton.
McIndoe, 34, said the time was right to call it a day on international hockey, although he would continue to play Auckland club hockey for Southern next year and would assess playing in next year's National Hockey League closer to the time.
"It is the right time for me," he said.
"At the start 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.
"Looking forward, I would need to be available for the next Olympic campaign through to Beijing. I couldn't see myself in Beijing.
"It's a combination of other things happening in my life and not wanting to compromise my personal standards and the team standards by playing on."
McIndoe said winning a silver medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and playing at the 2004 Athens Olympics and Champions Trophy were the highlights of his career.
Outgoing Black Sticks coach Kevin Towns paid tribute to McIndoe's contribution since his debut at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.
"Wayne has been an influential member of the team on and off the field," Towns said.
"His tactical knowledge has been a key factor in the development of the Black Sticks game."
- NZPA
