A Sitdown With Minnesota's Newest Bruiser

Newly acquired defenseman Chris Hie on the practice ice.

The Art Of War: How does it feel being in Minnesota?

Chris Hie: It feels great, Minnesota is definitely a place I have wanted to play for awhile, the team atmosphere and comradery is amazing. I'm really looking forward to hitting the ice with my new teammates.

AoW: There seemed to be some falling out with then GM Adams Stevens in Toronto, can you comment on that?

CH: To be honest, there was never really any personal amnimosty between Adam and I, I felt that my time had come and gone in Toronto, and that it was time for me to move on. I talked a lot with Adam through out the entire process, Adam is a good guy, a great gm and a good friend. I'm glad we're going to get a chance to play along side each other in Minnesota, as I said to him when I left Toronto. It was nothing personal, it was just business.

AoW: After the S5 finals, you were traded to Castlegar, what were you feelings on being a Castor?

CH: Mixed at best, I was happy to be going to a team who had long time friends on it like Chris "Ochir" Walters, and I was happy to be going to a team with a winning tradition, there are likely some things that I would have done differently if I had the chance to do it over, but for the most part I was just happy to have a place to play.

AoW: Any predictions for Season 6?

CH: (Chuckles) I think The Warbirds are going to do very well this season. we have great depth on defense and even better depth up front, This team is a special and I think its going to achieve special things this season.

AoW: Pick one for a pairing. Marosi, Ezell, Baily, Ng or Shimbashi and why?

CH: Thats a tough pick, really. They are all great players, but I guess if I had to pick one it'd be my old buddy Greg Ezell, We've been trying to get on the same team since the F-L days so we could play together and its now finally happened, although all those guys would make GREAT partners, Greg holds a special place in my heart.

AoW: Ok, last question before I let you go, Alpines, Raiders, Freeze or Pharaohs

CH: Freeze had the best uniforms, Raiders were sex on ice though.

AoW: Alright, well thanks for taking some time and welcome to Minnesota!

CH: Thank you! and I'm glad to be here