Statement by the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), on the Announcement of the Nominees to the 2014 Canadian Olympic Men's Hockey Team

OTTAWA, Jan. 7, 2014 /CNW/ - I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the athletes who were named to the 2014 Canadian Olympic Men's Hockey team.

The 25 athletes named to the 2014 team will begin their defence of their gold-medal performance from the Vancouver 2010 Olympics on February 14, against Norway. Canada will cheer them on as they defend their Olympic title and aim for a consecutive gold medal in Sochi.

Our athletes are an enormous source of pride for all Canadians. That is why our government is proud to provide continued support for Olympic sports and our Canadian Olympic athletes who will proudly represent this great nation on the world stage.

As Minister of State (Sport), I wish all our players, as well as head coach Mike Babcock and his coaching staff, the very best of success as they prepare to represent Canada this coming February in Sochi, Russia. This is an incredible milestone in your sport careers and all Canadians will be cheering for you and your teammates in your pursuit of world-class athletic excellence at the Olympic Winter Games.

Visit hockeycanada.ca for information on all members of our Olympic Men's Hockey Team.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage