Kenny Bain retires from international hockey

After 15 years playing for Scotland, amassing 196 caps and 107 goals, Kenny Bain has announced his retirement from international hockey.

During a tremendous international career Kenny has represented Scotland at three Commonwealth Games, seven European Championships, and been a key part of Scotland men’s programme.

Kenny Bain said, “I have mixed feelings about retiring, as everyone probably does, but after 15 years in the team, and having been part of so much, it’s the right time. The players coming into the squad now are very talented and exciting, and they’re the future for us. I have a family now, two small children, and a new job that will see me run all the youth set up for Laren HC. I was planning to retire later in the year but realistically now is the time.”

Kenny’s first step into the Scotland senior setup came in 2007 when an unexpected phone call set the Paisley forward’s hockey career swiftly in an upward trajectory.

Bain explained, “I was at school, sitting in maths, and got a message from my dad telling me I need to answer my phone at lunch time. Then the Scotland head coach at the time, Mathias Ahrens, called me, and I’ll never forget his big German accent telling me to pack my bags and come with the team to Egypt.”

In Egypt Scotland played a four nations tournament against Egypt, Ukraine and Pakistan, with Bain bagging his first international goal against Ukraine on the trip.

Bain added, “It was an amazing experience. I was sharing a room with Graham Dunlop and it was unbelievable to be alongside guys like that. All the boys welcomed me. I remember Graham Moodie; Vishal Marwaha; Michael Christie; Chris Nelson; Ally McGregor; Johnny Christie; Gareth Hall and Dave Mitchell were all there too. Nothing fazed me, I loved everything about it.”

Although Bain’s first goal came in Egypt, he says his first real goal came in the summer of 2007 at the Euros, also against Ukraine. Bain took the ball on the halfway line, went on a solo run, before unleashing a rocket into the top corner to give Scotland a crucial 1-0 victory. “I remember Mathias running down the touchline to celebrate with me, he didn’t do that often,” he said.

Two of Kenny’s top three experiences playing for Scotland were Commonwealth Games experiences. Glasgow 2014 being a home games was a tremendous experience for Bain, as was Gold Coast 2018. The two goals Bain scored in Gold Coast against South Africa is a particularly fond memory for the striker.

In 2017 Scotland won Men’s EuroHockey Championship II in Glasgow to qualify for the EuroHockey Championships during a period of time that Bain sees as special for the Scotland squad. He said, “That was the best squad I ever played in. The squad right now is the most talented squad but the 2017 squad was just so strong all over the pitch, and we were like a family.

“Winning qualification to A Division in 2017 was so special because it took us so many years to do it. Then the way we did it, in Glasgow, was unreal. I remember crying on the pitch, it was such a relief to finally qualify.

“For me it was amazing to win promotion alongside my best mate, David Forsyth, and with Gordon McIntyre in that team. Also, Alan Forsyth and I had such a good partnership and we scored a lot of goals together throughout that tournament. Chris Grassick really drove us on that year, he was an amazing captain, and so did Derek Forsyth. The squad gave everything for each other and left it all on the pitch.”

Scotland Men’s Head Coach Derek Forsyth paid his own tribute to Bain’s contribution to Scottish Hockey, and said, “Kenny has been involved with the senior men’s squad since 2007, and has since represented Scotland in three Commonwealth Games, seven Europeans, along with a number of other tournaments over the course of the last 15 years.

“Having scored a sensational goal on his Euros debut in 2007, for Scotland to win the match 1-0, he’s gone on to score frequently for the team, and in many cases the all-important winning goal. He’s been a fantastic player for Scotland over the years and helped Scotland achieve much success over this time.

“I wish him well on this next chapter he’s about to embark on, and hope he will be as successful as he was as a forward for Scotland.”

When you have a career like Kenny’s there are so many people to thank for their contributions and support down the years. Bain, said, “I need to thank Mathias for giving me my first cap and the opportunity to join the team. Susan Gilmore was great for me, and I need to thank Kelburne and the Glasgow School of Sport for teaching me how to play the game.

“I played with over 40 players for Scotland over the years and I want to thank them all. Thanks to Russell Garcia, and to Jimmy Lewis who helped me grow as a person. Thanks to Hurley who helped push my career on in the Netherlands, and to Laren who have been amazing since I joined them.

“And I’d like to give a big shout out to Peter Jonker and Andy McConnell.

“I want to thank Derek Forsyth for all he’s done for me down the years. He’s worked so hard and what he’s done for Scottish Hockey and the Blue Sticks is incredible. And to Dave Reid, whose commitment to the team and myself down the years is invaluable.

“Over the last six years my fiancé, Julia, has been a rock through all the ups and downs, and I want to give a special thank you to Julia and all my family, I’m looking forward to spending my time with our kids Romy and Noah – and to my mum and dad and my brother Adam, for being there every step of the way.”

A huge congratulations from all at Scottish Hockey to Kenny Bain on a fantastic Scotland career.

 

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