CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada has announced the 21 player roster nominated to represent Canada’s National Women’s Team at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, B.C.

Canada’s 21-player roster includes three goaltenders, six defencemen and 12 forwards. Canada’s roster includes 14 players (Agosta, Apps, Botterill, Hefford, Kellar, Kingsbury, Labonté, MacLeod, Ouellette, Piper, St-Pierre, Sostorics, Vaillancourt and Wickenheiser) who have played in previous Olympic Winter Games. Four players (Botterill, Hefford, Kellar and Wickenheiser) will compete in their fourth Olympic Winter Games. The 21 players on Canada’s roster have combined to play in 94 IIHF World Women’s Championships.

Canada’s National Women’s Team will attempt to win its third-straight gold medal at the Winter Olympics, having done so in 2002 (Salt Lake City, Utah) and 2006 (Turin, Italy).

“We’re excited today to announce the 21 players who will go for gold in Vancouver,” says Melody Davidson, head coach of Canada’s National Women’s Team. “Our country is fortunate to have unbelievable depth in hockey and this is no different in the women’s game. The selection process has been difficult, which speaks to this depth.”

Hockey Canada also announced on Monday that Hayley Wickenheiser (Shaunavon, Sask.) has been named captain of Canada’s National Women’s Team for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Wickenheiser has been the Canada’s captain since 2007. Jayna Hefford (Kingston, Ont.) and Caroline Ouellette (Montreal, Que.) will serve as alternate captains.

The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will mark the fourth time women’s hockey has been part of the Olympic program. The women’s hockey tournament opens on , with Canada facing Slovakia at Canada Hockey Place. The UBC Thunderbird Arena will be home to Canada’s remaining two round-robin games, with the medal round being held at Canada Hockey Place. The gold medal game will be on .

“Congratulations to the 21 players on this tremendous accomplishment,” says Bob Nicholson, president and CEO of Hockey Canada. “We know that our players will bring pride to all Canadians.”

Canada’s National Women’s Team will have a holiday break from December 22-27 before travelling to St. Paul, Minn., for a game against the United States on December 30 (Xcel Energy Center, 7 p.m. CT). Canada and the United States will complete a six-game pre-Olympic series on in Ottawa (SBP Arena, 7 p.m. ET). Tickets for that game are available at www.capitaltickets.ca or by phone at (613) 599-3267 or (877) 788-3267.