OTTAWA -- Hayley Wickenheiser doesnt put much stock in the flag-bearers curse. The womens hockey star, who will carry the Maple Leaf into the opening ceremonies of the Sochi Olympics, says the idea that she and her teammates could be under any more pressure is absurd. After all, they play a sport that many in Canada consider religion. So any sort of cosmic jinx pales in comparison to the weight of an entire countrys expectations for the womens team to win a fourth straight gold medal in Sochi. "I think theres just too much emphasis to put on that," Wickenheiser said Thursday via conference call from Austria. "The pressure that we feel is the pressure that always comes with playing hockey as a Canadian hockey player, whether youre male or female. "The country expects a gold medal. Whether I carry the flag or not, Im pretty sure our team doesnt feel any extra added incentive that theres more pressure to perform, because we already feel that already." Not all athletes see it that way. Diver Alexandre Despatie felt it would be a distraction and said hed decline any offer to carry the flag at the 2012 London Games. Kayaker Adam van Koeverden carried the flag at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and finished a disappointing eighth in the 1,000 metres -- although he did win a silver medal in the 500. Moguls skier Jean-Luc Brassard blamed his disappointing performance at the 1998 Nagano Olympics on being the flag-bearer a day earlier. Wickenheiser and her teammates hope the same thing doesnt happen to them. Hockey Canada says the women will march in the Feb. 7 opening ceremonies despite playing their first game the following night versus Switzerland. Brassard, the assistant chef de mission for the Sochi team, was on the panel that selected Wickenheiser along with chef de mission Steve Podborski, assistant chef France St. Louis and one athlete representative. Hockey Canada nominated her for the honour. "Throughout her successful career, this Canadian athlete has demonstrated true Canadian grit, patriotism and sportsmanship," said Podborski, adding that Wickenheiser will lead the Canadian team with "the utmost pride and class." Wickenheiser is embracing the opportunity to put her sport centre stage. "What I think it does is it shines a very positive light on the sport of womens hockey and just on our sport in general for the world to see," said the 35-year-old forward. "Thats a great responsibility and expectation that every nation in the world has to carry in and I think should really embrace." The Shaunavon, Sask., native, who is at a pre-Olympic camp in Austria and wasnt able to attend the formal announcement Thursday on Parliament Hill, will be making her fifth Winter Olympic appearance. But for the first time since 2006, she wont be Canadas captain. Caroline Ouellette has been handed that job, while Wickenheiser will be an alternate. But she remains Canadas biggest womens hockey star and a pioneer of the game. She and teammate Jayna Hefford will be the only players in the 2014 womens hockey tournament who have played in every Olympic Games since female hockey made its debut in 1998. Her stewardship extends beyond hockey as a spokesperson for Right To Play, Clean Air Champions, KidsSport, Spread The Net, Plan Canadas Because I Am A Girl and Classroom Champions. Wickenheiser read the athletes oath in the opening ceremonies at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver and she is running for election to the International Olympic Committees athletes commission in Sochi. Veteran speedskater Clara Hughes carried the flag at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics while womens hockey player Danielle Goyette was the flag-bearer at the 2006 Games in Turin. "I remember we were joking, like Dont trip and fall when you come in," Wickenheiser said of her conversation with Goyette before the opening ceremonies eight years ago. 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The 23-year-old restricted free agent appeared in all 48 games last season, finishing second among all Sabres skaters with 15 goals and 34 points. Air Max 97 Wholesale China . He had spent 16 days on the disabled list before being activated Thursday. He was batting just .203 when he came to bat in the 11th inning on Sunday.MILAN - Defending champion Juventus dropped its first points of the season as it was held to a surprise 1-1 draw by bottom club Sassuolo on Saturday and saw its lead at the top of the Serie A table cut to one point ahead of Roma.Sassuolo took a shock lead in the 12th minute through Simone Zaza but Paul Pogba levelled almost immediately with a magnificent strike.We knew of the difficulties this game presented beforehand, Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said. Sassuolo had some tough results despite playing well.We could have and should have done better. Well get back and work on the areas we need to improve. We didnt get many shots in on goal and allowed them to break on the counter.The result ends a run of 13 consecutive league victories for Juventus.Earlier, Roma cruised to a 3-0 win over Chievo Verona, with all the goals coming in the first half.Mattia Destro and Adem Ljajic scored before a penalty from Francesco Totti ensured the capital side heads into Tuesdays Champions League clash against Bayern Munich full of confidence.Juventus visits Olympiakos on Wednesday in their European encounter.Sassuolo remained winless but moved off the foot of the table ahead of the rest of the weekends matches.It was a great night against a strong opponent, Sassuolo goalkeeper Andrea Consigli said. We played an open game, wed prepared well and all the team had a great game.This has to be the starting point for future maatches.ddddddddddddAfter seeing this match many will have said what is Sassuolo doing at the bottom of the table. Juve wins against everyone but didnt do it against Sassuolo, this draw is like a win because of the courage it gives us.Leonardo Bonucci — who had scored a controversial winner against Roma before the international break — thought he had given Juventus an early lead but he was flagged offside.Moments later Sassuolo went in front. 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