Photo

Click on photo to enlarge

Washington Capitals goalie Olaf Kolzig makes a save during play against the Calgary Flames during NHL hockey action in Washington in this March 6, 2002 file photo. REUTERS/Joe Giza/Files (UNITED STATES)

TORONTO (Reuters) - South African-born German international goaltender Olaf Kolzig, best known for his years with the Washington Capitals in the NHL, announced his retirement on Wednesday.

Kolzig, an NHL All-Star in 1998 and 2000, played most of his career with the Capitals who drafted him in 1989.

The 39-year-old goaltender made eight appearances last year for Tampa Bay Lightning before injury cut short his season and although he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs he did not feature for them.

It was in the U.S. capital, though, where Kolzig made his name after several years learning his trade in the minor leagues.

He won the Vezina Trophy as the league's top goaltender after posting 41 wins in 1999-2000, and also helped the Capitals reach the 1998 Stanley Cup finals.

Although he grew up in Canada, Kolzig qualified for Germany through parentage and represented that country in the 1998 and 2006 Winter Olympics.

"While I appreciate everything the game has given me and certainly will miss it, I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and remaining involved in hockey in some capacity," Kolzig said in a statement released through the NHL Players' Association.

(Writing by Simon Evans in Miami; editing by Kevin Fylan)