At 6’4” and 200 pounds Michael Anderson is easy to spot when he gets on the ice for the Golden Rockets.
The rookie defencemen from Port Coquitlam, B.C. has shown repeatedly throughout the season that opposing forwards have to keep their heads up when they cross the Rockets blue line this season.
Anderson heard about the Rockets through a coach in Dawson Creek and after some discussion made his way down to the town, a decision he has not regretted.
“I think it is great. There are a great bunch of guys and I really like the team. I also like the coaches and the town is great. I can’t say enough good things about being here, I love Golden, it is great,” he said.
Since arriving to play with the Rockets Anderson has been working closely with the coaches on many aspects of his game.
“I have been trying to work on my puck handling, shooting along with foot speed and foot work. All of these things are important aspects of the game.”
Anderson explained that hockey has been an important part of his and his family’s life over the years. Both his brothers played hockey with one spending four years playing for the Yale Bulldogs while his other brother plays just outside of Boston at Williams.
He explained that he learned a great deal about hockey from his siblings and had an uncle who at one time was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks.
Anderson and his father spent a great deal of time at the rink growing up partially because his dad was his coach coming up through minor hockey.
“It was not bad. He is a good coach. I definately learned a lot from him.
As for the rest of the season Anderson explained he is looking for a good run for himself and the team.
“Personally I am looking to get a couple of more goals. As for the team I want to make a good push in the playoffs. I don’t think we have truly shown our true colours yet this season. Our record does not show what kind of team we are. We can do a lot better than we have shown.
He scored his first goal of the season against the Creston Valley Thunder Cats on Jan. 24 in front of the hometown crowd.
“It felt pretty good. It has been a long time and it felt good to get the monkey off my back, Anderson said. “I saw the play developing and jumped out (of the penalty box). Andre (Darren Andre) gave me a great pass and I don’t know how I put it in to tell you the truth.”
His first goal in the league will find its way on a shelf and is one of the great memories he is taking from his year in Golden.
