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.

Russ Anderson
Born (1955-02-12) February 12, 1955 (age 69)
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 team  United States
NHL draft 31st overall, 1975
Pittsburgh Penguins
WHA draft 22nd overall, 1975
Winnipeg Jets
Playing career 1976–1985

Early life

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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

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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

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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

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Regular season and playoffs

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Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
1972–73 Washburn High School HS-MN
1973–74 Washburn High School HS-MN
1974–75 University of Minnesota WCHA 30 2 7 9 56
1975–76 University of Minnesota WCHA 28 0 5 5 81
1976–77 Hershey Bears AHL 11 0 4 4 35
1976–77 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 66 2 11 13 81 3 0 1 1 14
1977–78 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 74 2 16 18 150
1978–79 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 72 3 13 16 93 2 0 0 0 0
1979–80 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 76 5 22 27 150 5 0 2 2 14
1980–81 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 34 3 14 17 112
1981–82 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 31 0 1 1 98
1981–82 Hartford Whalers NHL 25 1 3 4 85
1982–83 Hartford Whalers NHL 57 0 6 6 171
1983–84 Los Angeles Kings NHL 70 5 12 17 126
1984–85 New Haven Nighthawks AHL 6 0 2 2 2
1984–85 Los Angeles Kings NHL 14 1 1 2 20
NHL totals 519 22 99 121 1086 10 0 3 3 28

International

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Year Team Event GP G A Pts PIM
1977 United States WC 10 0 0 0 16
Senior totals 10 0 0 0 16

Transactions

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References

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  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.
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Preceded by Hartford Whalers captain
1982–83
Succeeded by