Field Hockey Canada > Fernandes retires from national team

Fernandes retires from national team

August 17, 2010 | Field Hockey Canada | fieldhockey.ca

Fernandes retires from national team

 Photo: Yan Huckendubler

August 17, 2010

Wayne Fernandes, a veteran of the Men’s National Team, has decided to hang up his cleats and put away his stick.  After 14 years with the Senior National Team, Wayne is beginning a new chapter in his life.  He has been an integral part of the team’s success and his “retirement will definitely leave a hole in the squad” says Louis Mendonca.

This Pan American Games gold medalist began his career with the national team in 1997 after three years with the junior national team.   “The decision to retire was not an easy one”, says Wayne.   When reflecting on his career, Wayne said, “I have played for 4 coaches and represented this country in 205 international matches”.  He continues,  “the experience of playing in 2 Commonwealth Games, 2 Pan-American Games, Beijing Olympics, World Cup and quite a few Qualifiers have given me a complete satisfaction of my Hockey tenure for Canada”.   While he will “miss competing in the red and white [he] look[s] forward to life’s new challenges”.  This includes a new career in the banking industry and his recent engagement.

Wayne is a technically gifted athlete and has been a key to the team’s success for many years.  Alan Brahmst says that he has known Wayne since he was 7 years old and he “could see at that time that Wayne would have the technical ability to be a tremendous asset for Canada in the future”.  Alan was right.  Many will remember Wayne’s winning goal in overtime against Argentina at the 2007 Pan American Games to earn Canada an automatic berth into the 2008 Olympics.   “After more than 200 internationals and a ton of important goals for Canada”, Alan says, “Wayne can be proud of the impact that he has had on our national team for more than a decade”. 

“Transitions from top level sports to professional working careers are never easy”, says Alan.  “I wish Wayne all the best in this move and I look forward to his continued involvement in our sport. He’ll be missed when we need that penalty corner goal."  Louis Mendonca agrees adding “he was an asset to the program and served the country well.  I would like to thank him and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Thank you Wayne!  Your dedication, excellent individual technical skills with the ball, world class aerial play and drag flicking skills have set you apart.  You will be missed!