St-Amand won Paralympic gold at Turin 2006 and twice claimed the International Paralympic Committee Sledge Hockey World Championship in 2008 and 2013, securing bronze in 2009 and 2012.

He has also won three World Sledge Hockey Challenge titles, most recently last year.

The goaltender's decision to retire comes just 48 hours after an announcement by similarly-decorated team-mate Graeme Murray, who said he wanted to turn his attention to mentoring future stars.

St-Amand, a Longueuil, Quebec native, won 39 of the 51 games he participated in.

Goaltender Benoit St-Amand won 39 of the 51 games he played in ©Getty Images



"It has been a memorable 10 years, getting to represent my country and travel the world playing the game I love," he said.

"I cannot thank my team mates, coaches and Hockey Canada enough for giving me every opportunity to succeed.

"Now feels like the right time to step away, try new things and spend more time with my family."

The 36-year-old, who also won Paralympic bronze with his team at Sochi 2014, was described today as being "dedicated" by Hockey Canada's vice-president of hockey operations and national teams, Scott Salmond.