Hayley Wickenheiser named Canadian flag-bearer for Sochi

Women's hockey star Hayley Wickenheiser has been named Canada's flag-bearer for the Sochi Olympics.

The Canadian Olympic Committee made the announcement today on Parliament Hill, although Wickenheiser was in Europe and unable to attend in person.

Wickenheiser, who hails from Shaunavon, Sask., will be making her fifth Olympic appearance.

Hockey Canada says the women's team will march in the opening ceremonies despite playing their opening game the following night versus Switzerland.

Other candidates rumoured to be in the running to carry the Maple Leaf at the opening ceremonies included men's hockey star Sidney Crosby, speedskater Charles Hamelin and skiers Alexandre Bilodeau and Erik Guay.

Long-track speedskater Clara Hughes carried the flag in the opening ceremonies at the Vancouver Games in 2010.

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  Hayley Wickenheiser, surrounded by members of the Canadian women hockey team, speaks from Austria through a video relay, in the foyer of the House of Commons in Ottawa, Thursday Jan. 23, 2014. (Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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  Canadian National Women's hockey player Hayley Wickenheiser, from Shaunavon, Sask., speaks to a reporter a news conference in Calgary, Alta., May 27, 2013. (The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh)