With over 550 test caps between them the Black Sticks men's hockey side are set to lose the vastly experienced trio of Arun Panchia, Marcus Child and Cory Bennett who've all announced their retirement from the international game.
Panchia and Child have been longtime teamates for Auckland and Southern Districts and have played 287 and 172 internationals respectively, with Panchia the fifth most capped Black Stick of all time.
Black Sticks Head Coach Darren Smith said the trio would be sorely missed.
Corry Bennet, (left), Marcus Child (middle) and Arun Panchia (right) have played 564 tests for New Zealand. Photo: Supplied: Hockey NZ
"While the retirement of quality internationals is always felt by the group, what is fantastic is watching their lives and careers take shape," said Smith.
"Being capped nearly 300 times for your country is a wonderful honour but what is also valued is the quality that a person brings to the team, and Arun is out of the top drawer".
Panchia, who was joined in the Black Sticks by his younger brother Jared in 2013, says playing for the Black Sticks was a dream from a young age.
"Representing New Zealand has been a huge honour and is something I'll value for the rest of my life. I've been fortunate to have had so many amazing experiences with the Black Sticks and I'm proud of what we've been able to accomplish over the years".
"The Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast was the standout as we played well, had a lot of supporters there, and coming away with a (silver) medal is always nice."
Marchus Child grew up in a hockey family in South Auckland and followed in the footsteps of his mother Sheryl Law and older brother Simon Child in donning the New Zealand shirt.
He also made his debut alongside fellow retiree Cory Bennett at the 2013 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
"Marcus is fast, athletic, has quick skills and a tactical appreciation for the game. He was a key contributor to the Gold Coast silver medal-winning team." said Smith.
"Marcus is a man that contributes not only on the field but also how he operates off the pitch where he always was a protector of the group. We often had conversations about not only hockey and how we can play even better but also our team dynamics, behaviours and to strive for enjoyment of our time playing for the Black Sticks".
Smith said defender Cory Bennett play a critical role in helping the Black Sticks qualify for Tokyo.
"He is intensely competitive, is always in for the battle, and is a highly skilled player. You add to that his penalty corner prowess and there were multiple ways he could make an impact."
Bennett said "I always felt that if I couldn't put everything into the shirt, it is time to call it quits".
"I have given eight years of my life to, this team with the goal of leaving the shirt in a better place".
-RNZ
