Defenseman Kent Anderson is ready, willing and able for a bigger role with top-ranked Denver.
He’s gone from playing 22 games as a freshman to 41 in a mainly third-pairing role as a sophomore to the top pair with Zeev Buium this season.
Anderson also continued an impressive trend for the Pioneers program. In April, he became their third recipient of the prestigious NCAA Elite 90 Award in nine seasons. The honor is bestowed upon the player who owns the highest cumulative grade-point average among all players at the Frozen Four. Anderson’s was 3.975. It says a lot about the player — and the program.
Anderson took time recently to speak with MagnessMayhem.com founder Chris Bayee about his journey through hockey and all things Pioneers.
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What are some of the challenges facing a less experienced Pionners team this season, and how can you overcome them?
What are the biggest strengths you’ve observed so far?
Obviously, we have some unreal players, some super skilled guys. We play fast, we play hard, and most importantly, we play together as a unit, which shows our success.
Do you have any family members who have played hockey?
My dad played hockey for a little bit, but badminton was his sport. No brothers or sisters, so not really.
You won the NCAA Elite 90 Award; what are you studying?
I’m a finance major, and honestly I couldn’t tell you what I want to do right now, but school’s going well. … My mom has inspired me to do well and continue.
Obvious question, but what are some of your favorite hockey memories?
Hard to say it’s not the national championship day. It was a pretty special day and incredible to have that opportunity to play in that game, win it, and bring it home and enjoy it with my teammates and my family.
Did you have any special celebrations with your family?
They were able to come to the game, so just being able to celebrate with them that night was pretty special.
Denver’s Kent Anderson defends a Northeastern puck carrier. Photo courtesy of Clarkson Creative via Denver Athletics
Who are some of your main hockey influences?
I’ve been a (Calgary) Flames fan most of my life, and (defenseman and former captain) Mark Giordano was my guy growing up. He’s a little hard-nosed but still can move the puck. He was an inspiration for me growing up. I had stickers of him, hockey cards of him. He was the man.
Do you have a favorite meal?
It’s pretty simple, steak and potatoes made by mom. They’re the best.
What are your favorite activities away from hockey?
In the offseason, I definitely play a lot of golf with my teammates. I have a pretty tight matches with my dad so that’s my favorite thing to do away from hockey.
Who is the golf shark on the team?
I’m going to go with (sophomore defenseman) Garrett Brown.
Is there a class clown on the team?
It’s hard not to say Zeev Buium. He’s the guy around here.
He was a first-round NHL draft pick last summer. What’s it like playing with him?
He’s obviously a special player, and not many guys can do what he does on the ice. We see that every day in practice and in the games. He’s a real player.
Do you have any superstitions?
I do everything at the same time, put my skates on at the same time, get dressed at the same time. Nothing super superstitious though.
Did you pick your number?
I’ve worn 7 or 21 in athletics growing up so those are kind of my two numbers. So I stuck with it.
Do you have a favorite Halloween candy?
I’m a big Gummie guy. Airheads, Laffy Taffy, anything like that.
What’s your all-time favorite Halloween costume?
I’m going to go with the costume I’ve seen some guys wear, the Teletubby costume.
Do you think anyone will wear it to the rink on Halloween weekend? Make a grand entrance?
I could see Jack Devine looking good in his Teletubby costume. I don’t know if he’d wear it to the rink, but he’d look good in it.
©First Line Editorial 2024
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