Hnidy finds it tough to say goodbye

By PAUL FRIESEN -- Winnipeg Sun

A few people in Neepawa just became huge Nashville Predators fans.

Defenceman Shane Hnidy, that town's contribution to the Ottawa
Senators the last four years, was one of 32 players swapped as the
NHL's trade deadline came and went yesterday.

A rugged, 6-foot-2 blueliner who had trouble cracking the Senators
lineup at times this season, Hnidy was sent to Nashville for a
relatively low price: a fourth-round draft pick.

"I just found out," the 28-year-old told The Sun yesterday
afternoon. "So I just said good-bye to everyone. It wasn't easy."

After playing a career-high 67 games last season, Hnidy missed the
start of this year with a broken foot, and had been in and out of
the Sens lineup since.

In 36 games, he had four assists and a plus-two rating.

And while he might be in for more ice time in Nashville, where
he'll be coached by Dauphin product Barry Trotz, moving wasn't his
first choice.

In an interview with The Sun last month, he said he and his wife
and kids were settled in Ottawa.

"You always think the grass is greener on the other side," Hnidy
said. "But it's a first-class organization, it's a great city ... my
family and I love living here. And it's a winning team. Our chances
are as good as anyone to win the Cup.

"I want to be part of something here. I want to be part of that
success."

The Predators may not be a Cup contender, but they are headed for
the playoffs for the first time in their history.