ICE HOCKEY: In beating the USA to claim ice hockey gold in the women's competition on Thursday, veteran Canada forwards Jayna Hefford (CAN),Hayley Wickenheiser and Caroline Ouellette became the only athletes in their nation's history to win four straight Olympic titles.

"That was the most dramatic and emotional of them all. I'm proud of the team and delighted we won," said Wickenheiser following the 3-2 victory in overtime at the Bolshoy Ice Dome.

"I can't say whether I am going to come back to attempt a fifth gold. I'll make that decision when I'm more clear-headed.

"I need a bit of a break now and I'm going to sit back and enjoy what we've just done."

Rookie defenceman Laura Fortino (CAN) said the veterans in the team had been invaluable to the team.

"Throughout this year they have been the backbone of our team. In between periods they really came through for us with their words and their actions on the ice," said Fortino.

"For us rookies that really helped us stay calm, poised and confident that we could come back and win.

"They talked about what we went through this year, all the training we have done and all the hard work we have put in."

Goaltender Shannon Szabados (CAN), who played in her second Olympic gold medal game, agreed.

"They (the veterans) are unbelievable players but more importantly they are amazing people. I'm proud to be in the same team as them.

"They are our leaders, our go-to players. They are an inspiration to us because they've been through it all and can pass on their knowledge and experience."