With his Ontario Stars having just laid waste to B.C. (15-0) and Quebec (12-0), the 39-year-old Miltonian figured a third national gold would provide a suitable swan song.

And that's exactly what transpired for the Canadian Deaf Ice Hockey Federation (CDIHF) mainstay, who'd help Ontario clinch the title with a 3-1 decision over the Western Provinces -- a hard-fought rematch after downing them 6-1 to close out round-robin play.

"After those first two big wins I really started thinking about stepping down and this (championship win) allows me to retire with a really good feeling -- something I hadn't had since last year's loss to the Americans (in Deaflympics gold-medal game) in Utah," said Couture, through wife/interpreter Lisa.

His departure came just a week after that of lacrosse legend and good friend Jim Veltman, whom he'd discussed things with earlier this spring.

"We'd chatted about it and decided we don't want to be like Michael Jordan and make a comeback. If they (Team Canada) needed a seventh defenceman or something there's a slim chance I might help out, but basically I'm done."

The longest-serving player with both the national and provincial deaf team, Couture not only helped the Stars limit the opposition to a measly two goals -- holding his own on a blueline unit with far younger defencemen -- but aided in the offensive onslaught with back-to-back goals against Quebec.

He recalled, "That was a highlight for me, kissing those pucks and throwing them over the boards to my two daughters."

Part of an Ontario squad that included up-and-coming Miltonian Paul Bourgeois -- a young forward -- Couture described this year's national champs as the best team he's played for in his entire time in hockey.

That's quite the endorsement, given that he competed at six Deaflympics over the past two decades -- after a junior career that saw him play with the neighbouring Burlington Cougars and enjoy a brief stint with the OHL's Hamilton Steelhawks -- and medaled each time out.

Hardly surprising, his 2003 gold-medal win in Sweden -- where he assisted on the game winner in a 5-2 victory over the U.S. -- represents his fondest memory.

Couture admits he didn't have a whole lot of those during his early years in hockey. While having his father as head coach certainly made things easier, he often felt detached from his hearing counterparts -- which led to loneliness and frustration.

"There weren't many interpreters around and I didn't have much communication (with other players) off the ice."

He credited deaf teacher Barry Elliott -- who's since passed away -- with helping keep him motivated, and CDIHF builder Roy Hysen for building him into the national program.

"Roy offered so much encouragement and was such a great role model. Without him I wouldn't have been part of this. I've also got to thank fellow Miltonian Norm Brownell, who's been part of the Canadian team for years (in an all-purpose role) and been so supportive of us."

Of course Couture has done his fair share to help build deaf hockey over the years-- most notably as an instructor at the CDIHF's summer camp -- and has been given the opportunity to expand on that.

"Nothing's definite yet, but I've been offered the general manager position with Team Ontario," he explained. "It could be nice to be the one carrying the briefcase."

Since his early years in the sport, deaf hockey has grown in both his own country and a number of others. Still, Couture would like to see more of what he calls "culturally" deaf players (as opposed to just hard-of-hearing) take to the ice.

"Most of the guys on this year's Ontario team were hard of hearing. It would be nice to have more deaf players. There were some demonstration games for the girls at this year's nationals, which was also nice to see."

While he admits the competitive urge may creep up when the next national championship or Deaflympics rolls around, Couture believes the time was right to retire.

"Other than playing shinny, I look forward to being up there in the stands with my Tim Hortons coffee."