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Hayley Wickenheiser honored prior to Flames-Oilers game

Perry Nelson / USA Today Sports

A Canadian hockey legend was honored prior to the latest chapter in the Battle of Alberta.

Hayley Wickenheiser, who announced her retirement from hockey a day earlier, was introduced by none other than Wayne Gretzky, who lauded her heart, desire, finesse, speed, and skill as a player.

She then dropped the puck for a ceremonial faceoff between Connor McDavid and Mark Giordano, who presented her with commemorative Oilers and Flames jerseys.

Wickenheiser, who lives in Calgary, followed it all up with a touching speech, reiterating it was the greatest honor of her life to play for Canada.

Wickenheiser ends her playing career with four gold medals and one silver from the Winter Olympics, along with seven gold medals and six silvers from the Women's World Championships. She's also the all-time leading point scorer in both tournaments.

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