Cup makes stop where it all began for Hnidy

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This article was published 19/08/2011 (5468 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

NEEPAWA — When he finally got his hands on the Stanley Cup, there was no doubt in Shane Hnidy’s mind where he would take it.

Right back to where it all began .

The National Hockey League veteran splits his off-seasons between Winnipeg and Clear Lake but it’s obvious his hometown is still Neepawa based on the hero’s welcome he received on Thursday when he returned with the Stanley Cup in tow.

“That’s everybody’s dream,” said his father, Ed. “Every kid in Manitoba or Canada, small town, big town, that’s what everybody dreams about but unfortunately that doesn’t happen very often. It did happen to Shane. All of us are overwhelmed by it, but we’re here to enjoy the moment.”

Hnidy’s day with the Stanley Cup began when the hallowed trophy arrived at the airport in Winnipeg on Thursday. He brought it to Neepawa for a brief stopover at his parents’ backyard before heading to the Yellowhead Centre for an evening photograph session that had fans lined down Mountain Avenue, followed by a fundraising social in support of the arena where he played his minor hockey.

“I think right now is a real special moment to see close family, close friends and their kids come and share the cup,” said Hnidy, all smiles as he posed for picture after picture, often calling over friends and family to make sure they got their turn with Lord Stanley’s mug.

Many of those well-wishers were the same ones who supported a kid with modest talent but a huge heart throughout his hockey career.

It was a career that very nearly ended last fall when he suffered a major shoulder injury during a free-agent tryout with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Hnidy kept the faith that he still had something to offer an NHL contender. The Boston Bruins agreed, signing the 35-year-old — a fan favourite known as “Sheriff” during his first stint in Beantown from 2007-09 — in February as an insurance policy.

That policy paid off for both the team and the player as Hnidy got into three games late in the regular season and three more in the playoffs. He didn’t play in the final but provided a positive voice in the dressing room as the Bruins won their first Stanley Cup since 1972.

It was a dream ending that even his mother, Diana, couldn’t have imagined all those years ago when the Hnidys first enrolled him in hockey.

“I can’t put it to words,” she said. “We’re very proud of Shane and who ever thought when he went into minor hockey he would end up where he has.

“I will be the first to say he worked his way into the NHL, he’s worked hard. To have him make the NHL was exciting enough. Now, with the Cup, this is perfect.”

rhenders@brandonsun.com