Hayley Wickenheiser will carry the Canadian flag at the opening ceremonies for the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Wickenheiser is the longest-serving member of Canada’s National Women’s Hockey Team, and has played in every Olympics where women’s hockey was an event. She has three gold medals, and one silver.
Although she was not present at the ceremony, Wickenheiser answered reporters’ questions via Skype.
When she first got the call about the announcement, “I kind of thought it was a joke,” she said.
WATCH: Hayley Wickenheiser’s son, Noah, comments on his mom carrying Canada’s flag
Her 13-year-old son Noah was present at the announcement and accepted the flag on her behalf. He will also be joining his mother in Sochi.
Gallery: Past Canadian Olympic Winter Games flag-bearers
Wickenheiser was recently replaced as captain of the team, with Caroline Ouellette taking the job. Wickenheiser will serve as an alternate captain in Sochi.
This is Wickenheiser’s fifth Olympic appearance – she was also on the women’s softball team in 2000.
The opening ceremony for the Sochi Winter Olympics is Feb. 7, 2014.
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