Craig Anderson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Craig Anderson |
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Anderson with the Senators in 2013
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Born | Park Ridge, Illinois, U.S. |
May 21, 1981 ||
Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | ||
Weight | 180 lb (82 kg; 12 st 12 lb) | ||
Position | Goaltender | ||
Catches | Left | ||
NHL team Former teams |
Ottawa Senators Chicago Blackhawks Florida Panthers Colorado Avalanche |
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National team | ![]() |
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NHL Draft | 77th overall, 1999 Calgary Flames 73rd overall, 2001 Chicago Blackhawks |
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Playing career | 2001–present |
Craig Anderson (born May 21, 1981 in Park Ridge, Illinois) is a professional American ice hockey goaltender. He is known for his long career in the NHL. He played for several teams, including the Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Colorado Avalanche, and most notably, the Ottawa Senators.
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Becoming an NHL Goalie
Craig Anderson started his hockey journey in junior leagues. He played for the Guelph Storm in the OHL. This is a major league for young players in Canada. After that, he moved to the AHL. This league is often a step before playing in the NHL.
First Steps in the NHL
Anderson made his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks. This was during the 2002–03 season. He worked hard to become a regular player. He then played for the Florida Panthers. Here, he started to show his skills as a strong goaltender.
Playing for the Colorado Avalanche
In the 2009–10 season, Anderson joined the Colorado Avalanche. This was a big year for him. He played in 71 games, which is a lot for a goalie. He helped the Avalanche reach the playoffs that year. He showed everyone he could be a top goalie in the league.
Time with the Ottawa Senators
Craig Anderson is most famous for his time with the Ottawa Senators. He joined the team in 2011. He quickly became a key player for them. He was known for making amazing saves. He often helped his team win tough games.
Key Seasons with Ottawa
During the 2012–13 season, Anderson had an incredible year. He had one of the best save percentages in the NHL. This means he stopped a very high number of shots. He helped the Senators make deep runs in the playoffs. He was a leader on the ice for many years.
Playoff Success
Anderson played a big role in the Senators' playoff success. In the 2014–15 playoffs, he had an amazing performance. He helped the team win a series with a very low goals-against average. This showed how strong he was under pressure. He continued to be a top goalie for the Senators until he left the team.
International Play
Craig Anderson also represented his home country, the United States. He played for Team USA in international tournaments. These included the World Championships. He showed his skills on a global stage. He helped his country compete against the best hockey nations.