Shane Hnidy is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on November 8, 1975, in Neepawa, Manitoba, Canada. Hnidy began his hockey career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Brandon Wheat Kings in 1993. He played for the Wheat Kings for four seasons before being drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the seventh round of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft.
Hnidy made his NHL debut with the Sabres in the 1995-96 season. He played in 21 games for the Sabres that season, recording one assist. Hnidy spent the next few seasons bouncing between the NHL and the American Hockey League (AHL), playing for the Sabres, the Nashville Predators, and the Ottawa Senators.
In 2002, Hnidy signed with the Atlanta Thrashers as a free agent. He played for the Thrashers for two seasons before being traded to the Nashville Predators in 2004. Hnidy played for the Predators for one season before signing with the Anaheim Ducks in 2005.
Hnidy played for the Ducks for two seasons, winning the Stanley Cup with the team in 2007. He then signed with the Boston Bruins in 2008, where he played for two seasons. Hnidy was traded to the Minnesota Wild in 2010, where he played for one season before retiring from professional hockey in 2011.
Throughout his NHL career, Hnidy was known for his physical play and his ability to play both defense and forward positions. He played in a total of 550 NHL games, recording 24 goals and 67 assists for 91 points. Hnidy also played in 55 playoff games, recording two goals and six assists for eight points.
After retiring from professional hockey, Hnidy began working as a television analyst for the Winnipeg Jets. He also worked as a color commentator for NHL games on NBC Sports Network and TSN.
In addition to his hockey career, Hnidy is also known for his charitable work. He has been involved with the Shane Hnidy Foundation, which raises money for various charities in Manitoba, Canada. Hnidy has also been involved with the NHLPA Goals and Dreams program, which provides equipment to children who cannot afford it.
Overall, Shane Hnidy had a successful career in professional hockey, playing for several NHL teams and winning a Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007. He is also known for his charitable work and his contributions to the hockey community.
🏒