Russ Anderson | |||
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Born |
Minneapolis, MN, USA |
February 12, 1955 ||
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 |
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National team | United States | ||
NHL Draft | 31st overall, 1975 Pittsburgh Penguins |
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WHA Draft | 22nd overall, 1975 Winnipeg Jets |
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Playing career | 1976–1985 |
Russell Vincent "Russ" Anderson (born February 12, 1955) is an American retired 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.
He played high school hockey for Minneapolis Washburn High School 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 a NCAA Championship in 1976.
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.
In May 1978, Anderson married Miss America 1977 Dorothy Benham. The couple have four children together; Adam, Russ, Ben, and Mia. Anderson and Benham were married for several years before divorcing. He now is remarried to Diane Anderson and they reside in Connecticut.