hayley openingceremony

2014 was a huge year for Shaunavon's Hayley Wickenheiser.

The Canadian women's hockey star not only took part in her fifth Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia in February, but led Team Canada out as the Flag Bearer at the opening ceremonies.

"You don't really think about carrying the flag in the Olympic Games when you're just a kid growing up and having a dream to go to the Olympics," Wickenheiser said as she was introduced as Canada's Flag Bearer in January. "I hope that everyone in Shaunavon and all of the kids that are in that community know that you can come from the middle of nowhere and still have a chance to do something good. I'm just proud to be from Saskatchewan and proud to be from Shaunavon and to represent that community."

"It's a wonderful accomplishment and we are very proud of Hayley," said Shaunavon Mayor Sharon Dickie. "I know that this is the icing on the cake in terms of this likely being her last Olympics."

Wickenheiser and Team Canada won a fourth-straight Olympic gold medal after a thrilling come-from-behind overtime victory over the United States in the Final.

She was also elected to the International Olympic Committee's Athletes' Commission during the games, and later in the year was immortalized with a star on Canada's Walk of Fame in Toronto.