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

OTTAWA, Dec. 23, 2013 /CNW/ - I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the athletes who have been named to the 2014 Canadian Olympic Women's Hockey team.

The 21 athletes named to the 2014 Olympic team include 12 players who won the gold medal in the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and six who are at least double gold medalists. Canada will cheer them on as they defend their Olympic title and aim for a fourth 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 Kevin Dineen and his coaching staff, the very best of success as they prepare to represent Canada, in February, in Sochi, Russia. This is an incredible milestone in their sport careers, and all Canadians will be cheering for them on in their pursuit of world-class athletic excellence at the Olympic Winter Games.

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

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage