| Kent Anderson | Green Bay Gamblers | USHL | R | D | 6’2″ | 200 | Denver | 2022 | Calgary, AB | 2003 | 2021-2022: C |
USHL: Green Bay Gambler vs Dubuque Fighting Saints, October 9, 2021: In the 5-4 Green Bay win Anderson earned 14:11 of total ice time and was not a factor on special teams (0:13 PK). Statistically he had 1 hit, 1 blocked shot and 3 giveaways compared to 8 takeaways. Dubuque played a high pressure game and it appeared as though Anderson was not ready for it. On his first shift he had a turnover that led to a one-timer in the high slot as well as being caught outside the dots while defending a quick neutral zone transition that led to a partial breakaway. As the game progressed he settled in playing a low risk game. He defends with his stick on the ice showing quickness to take away time and space. Although he did not get an assist he made a very nice indirect pass that led to a goal. Another building block game.
USHL: Green Bay Gamblers vs Waterloo Blackhawks, September 23, 2021: In the 5-2 Gamblers win Anderson earned 15:55 of total ice time, including 1:53 while shorthanded. He finished -1 with 1 blocked shot and 5 giveaways compared to 4 takeaways. In his USHL debut Anderson played a simple straight forward game. While in the defensive zone he provided close support when defending the cycle, played with his stick on the ice and kept his heels towards the weakside corner. He showed quick feet while retreating and rarely crossed his feet over when matching speeds to gap up to a line rush. Offensively, Anderson kept it simple. Early in the game he may have been trying to look opponents off, but as the game progressed he moved the puck quickly and went with his first decision. A game to build on for the long defenseman.
AJHL: Bonnyville vs Sherwood; Drayton Valley Thunder vs Grande Prairie Storm, March 22, 2021: Kent is a well-rounded defenceman who plays a complete game. He is solid at both ends of the ice. His hockey IQ is excellent as he thinks the game quickly and knows where to be at all times. He has quick anticipation and his footwork and edges are smooth. He can pivot and transition well and he makes crisp, accurate passes up the ice. He can play effectively on the power play and penalty kill and he saw big power play minutes this game where he put a lot of pucks towards the net. The ’03 plays tough and physical in the defensive zone and he can outsmart you as well as out work you. There is a lot of versatility in this prospect and we feel his ceiling is very high. Grade: A-
AJHL: Drumheller Dragons vs Brooks Bandits, November 10, 2020: Anderson is very smart in his escape moves away from pressure. Between his ability to change direction quickly, use the net as an added layer of defense, and his puck protection skills he is a hard player to play against in the defensive zone. Has good size and reach which allows him to close in on players quickly and shut plays down before they start. Also love his speed and ability to recover for his partner who stepped, he tracked back on what could have been a breakaway and shut it down. B+
Anderson is a smart two-way defender for the Northstars and was used in all situations. He showed vision up ice and was good on his outlets, connecting on his passes and springing some odd man rushes for his teammates. He’s an average skater that lacks some power in his first/second stride but knows his capabilities and makes smart decisions with the puck. He made some plays on the offensive line, keeping his feet moving and not being afraid to leave his point position to open up some ice and see if he can find an open teammate around the net. He’s got an average shot from the line but often finds a lane to get it on net. Anderson stays in position in the defensive end and closes off plays at the net using his thick frame and active stick to close lanes. Down low he showed well in retrievals but can be a bit slow in his decision making once he gets the puck back. Grade: B+
U14: Kamloops International Bantam Tournament (KIBIHT), January 2018: Kent was arguably the Sabres most consistent defenseman throughout the tournament. He didn’t light up the score board like other defenseman did, but he played a smart game and was a big contributor to shutting down opponents chances. He’s elusive in the defensive zone corners and transitions into offense quickly making a solid first pass or rushing the puck himself. He has an active stick and was effective with his pinches and keeping pucks in deep. He kept his gaps tight, has good posture when he skated backwards and forwards and moved well in transition. The 2003 plays a very aggressive style on the penalty kill that created a lot of frustration for the opponents. Stepped up when Calgary was short on the back end. Decision making is there but needs to continue to develop his awareness to be a constant impact player. There is something about Kent and he is a player to watch. Grade: B+
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
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