Merry scored 128 goals in her 284 international caps.
Eventually, an ice hockey game did break out.
The Kiwis scored two late goals to clinch third place at the qualifying tournament in Oman.
The NZ men stayed alive with a draw against world champions Germany.
Blair Tarrant and Hugo Inglis will bring up 250 games, while Kane Russell can notch his 200th appearance.
New Zealand have been to every Olympics since Sydney 2000, but are yet to book their tickets to Paris.
Ex Pittsburgh Penguin Adam Johnson was just 29 years old.
The Black Sticks men and women face Australia and Great Britain this weekend.
The Kiwis scored in the final minute to force penalties, but stumbled in the shootout.
New Zealand women were beaten by the hosts in a shootout after a goalless four quarters.
Neither the women's or men's side are ranked inside the top three, but don't tell them that.
The NZ women are defending Commonwealth Games gold medallists from Gold Coast 2018.
Defeat in Amsterdam ends New Zealand's campaign.
New Zealand topped Pool B to reach the last eight in the Netherlands.
The 2018 silver medallists are hopeful of going one better four years later.
The squad includes four players from their 2018 winning campaign.
A newlook New Zealand side was no match for the Tokyo Olympics silver medallists.
A double to co-captain Brooke Peris gave the visitors victory, and a 1-0 lead in the four test series.
New Zealand were up 2-0 entering the final quarter, but had to settle for the tie.
The former Black Sticks men's coach will guide the women on an interim basis.
