Hockey veteran Hayley Wickenheiser to carry Canada's flag in Sochi

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:19 p.m. ET

foxsports

Olympic hockey veteran Hayley Wickenheiser will be Canada's flag-bearer at the Sochi Games.

The Canadian Olympic Committee made the announcement Thursday on Parliament Hill. Wickenheiser was in Europe and unable to attend. This will be her fifth Olympic appearance.

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

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

Long-track speedskater Clara Hughes was the flag-bearer at the 2010 Vancouver Games.