GB captain Ames retires from international stage
David Ames has made the decision to retire from international hockey following 17 years on the elite stage.
The 35-year-old steps back after three Olympic Games, over 200 international caps and five EuroHockey Championships, culminating in silver in 2023 in Mönchengladbach.
Ames – who plays his club hockey this season with Old Georgians who are in the EHL FINAL8 at Easter – is ready to take the next step in his career.
“The time has finally come to say goodbye to international hockey, and I couldn’t be more thankful to have lived the dream of playing at this level since 2008 and in particular for the opportunity to enjoy the last 10 years in this [Great Britain] programme,” Ames said.
“Without a doubt the most important factor has always been the relationships I’ve been lucky enough to form over many years with teammates, coaches and support staff.
“I’ve been blessed to have been given the best of everything in our programme and I’ll be forever grateful for the support, guidance and help throughout the different stages of my career.
“It would be remiss of me not to mention a few crucial parts that have helped me stay at this level for so long. To UK sport for all they’ve provided to me and our wider GB programme.
“To all the coaches past and present for allowing me to be a part of the side for so long, to the many support staff and in particular our physios, doctors and psychologists that at times have gone over and beyond to look after and power me through some tricky obstacles throughout my career.
“To the intense rehab unit for all their hard work to put me back together at times, and of course to Team GB for allowing me to be a part of the most special moments in our sport.
“A special shoutout to all the players past and present. I have been very fortunate to have played with and against the best players in the world.
“I will miss the interactions and enjoyment of spending each day together and a special thanks to the recent group for allowing me the honour to captain and lead the group in the latter stages of my career. That is something I’ll cherish forever.
“I wish everyone within our men’s programme a huge good luck moving forward and have no doubt that your time at achieving the biggest prizes in our sport is not too far away.”
Ames has been no stranger to the EHL in the past, lining out for Beeston in 15 games between 2010 and 2015 while he took on the coaching role for Holcombe in Barcelona October 2023.
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