SHANE HNIDY
Date of Birth: 1975-11-08Date of Induction: 2024
Neepawa's Shane Hnidy graduated from the Yellowhead Chiefs Midget hockey program to a brief stop with Neepawa Natives of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League before catching the attention of the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League as a 15-year-old.
The Broncos would switch the rugged Hnidy to defense where he quickly established himself as one of the league's most reliable defenders.
Traded to the Prince Albert Raiders in 1992, his exceptional play continued and he was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the 7th round (173rd overall) of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft.
Unable to come to an agreement with Buffalo, he turned professional in 1996 with the Baton Rouge Kingfish. After 21 games, his play earned him a call-up to the St. John Flames of the AHL.
Over the next 4 years, he honed his skills in the minors with St. John, Grand Rapids and Cincinnati, eventually earning an NHL deal with Detroit Red Wings in 1999. However, a trade to the NHL Ottawa Senators in 2000, would launch his NHL career.
Over the next 11 years, Hnidy would play 550 games in the NHL along with 40 more playoff matches with Ottawa, Anaheim, Atlanta, Nashville and Boston, winning a Stanley Cup in 2011 as a member of the Bruins. He would have his day with the Stanley Cup on August 18, 2011, before officially retiring on August 31, 2011.
Hnidy would remain in hockey in a broadcasting role, first with the Winnipeg Jets and then with the Vegas Golden Knights.