Michael Anderson admits he doesn’t have a ton of natural talent. The fact that he has become a key part of the Rockets’ blueline in his third season with the team is a testament to his determination.
“I don’t have a ton of skill, i know that, but I skate well and I play hard, hit hard, play the puck hard and play smart,” he said.
The 6’4” defenceman from Port Coquitlam joined the Rockets for the 2011/2012 season and has seen his role grow since that time to become one of the Rockets’ leaders in ice-time. Anderson also wears an ‘A’ as one of the team’s two assistant captains. Growing up as the youngest of three boys, the blueliner feels that being placed in a leadership role is a natural fit for him.
“I got picked on a lot, I think that made me mature a lot faster than a lot of other guys. Leading has always been something that I’ve had inherently. Not to say that I haven’t tried at it, but it has always come easy for me,” Anderson said.
While the Rockets have struggled out of the gates, Anderson sees some signs that the team is ready to emerge from their early season slump and fulfill the expectations that were placed on the club going into the season.
“We are definitely improving as a team. The first six games looked pretty bad, but we’re definitely making some strides and heading in the right direction as a team.
“Once we get out of this hole that we’re in we’re going to be in really good shape in terms of getting into the playoffs and making a run at it.”
