Russ Anderson

Last updated
Russ Anderson
Born (1955-02-12) February 12, 1955 (age 70)
Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
Height 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight 210 lb (95 kg; 15 st 0 lb)
Position Defense
Shot Left
Played for Pittsburgh Penguins
Hartford Whalers
Los Angeles Kings
National teamFlag of the United States.svg  United States
NHL draft 31st overall, 1975
Pittsburgh Penguins
WHA draft 22nd overall, 1975
Winnipeg Jets
Playing career 19761985

Russell Vincent "Russ" Anderson (born February 12, 1955) is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman who played 519 games in the National Hockey League between 1976 and 1985. Anderson was a member of the United States National team at the 1977 Ice Hockey World Championships.

Contents

Early life

He played high school hockey for Washburn High School in Minneapolis where he was also a standout football player. After getting a scholarship to play college football for the University of Minnesota Anderson found himself injured with a torn Achilles tendon. Thinking his athletic career was over, Herb Brooks came to the training room and told Anderson to try out for the Gopher hockey team. Russ Anderson made the team and ended up winning an NCAA Championship in 1976.

Playing career

Russ Anderson, nicknamed "Andy" played hockey in the NHL from 1976 until 1985. He played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Hartford Whalers, and Los Angeles Kings. He was also a member of the United States National team at the 1977 Ice Hockey World Championships.

Personal life

While playing with the Penguins, Anderson married Miss America 1977 Dorothy Benham. [1] The couple had four children together. [2] Anderson and Benham were married for several years before divorcing. He now is remarried to Diane Anderson and they reside in Connecticut.[ citation needed ]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGP G A Pts PIM GPGAPtsPIM
1972–73 Washburn High School HS-MN
1973–74Washburn High SchoolHS-MN
1974–75 University of Minnesota WCHA 3027956
1975–76 University of MinnesotaWCHA2805581
1976–77 Hershey Bears AHL 1104435
1976–77 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 662111381301114
1977–78 Pittsburgh PenguinsNHL7421618150
1978–79 Pittsburgh PenguinsNHL72313169320000
1979–80 Pittsburgh PenguinsNHL7652227150502214
1980–81 Pittsburgh PenguinsNHL3431417112
1981–82 Pittsburgh PenguinsNHL3101198
1981–82 Hartford Whalers NHL2513485
1982–83 Hartford WhalersNHL57066171
1983–84 Los Angeles Kings NHL7051217126
1984–85 New Haven Nighthawks AHL60222
1984–85 Los Angeles KingsNHL1411220
NHL totals519229912110861003328

International

YearTeamEventGPGAPtsPIM
1977 United States WC 1000016
Senior totals1000016

Transactions

References

  1. Neahaus, Cable (January 21, 1980). "A Former Miss America Celebrates When Her Iceman Cometh Home". People. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  2. Tauber, Michelle; Neill, Mike; Russell, Lisa; Fowler, Joanne; Dam, Julie; Tresniowski, Alex; Miller, Samantha; Dougherty, Steve; Yu, Ting (October 16, 2000). "American Beauties: 80 Years". People. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
Preceded by Hartford Whalers captain
1982–83
Succeeded by