Whenever Kitchener Rangers training camp opens, forward Brenden Anderson is confident that he can make that lasting impression.
Selected in the 2019 OHL Draft 11th round, 215th overall by Kitchener, Anderson impressed last year at camp before eventually playing for the Junior ‘B’ Brantford Bandits where he had a solid campaign with nine goals and 23 points along with 67 penalty minutes.
“Brenden really improved his speed and decision making with the puck,” Brantford coach Andrew Randazzo said. “Although he can still improve with his decision making, he was able to produce and adapt his game from minor to the junior level.”
Still waiting to see when camp will be taking place, this 17- year-old 6’4” 172 pound forward has worked hard all summer and feels that he’s ready to take that next stop in gaining a roster spot with the Rangers.
“This is my second year (at Rangers training camp) and I know what it’s like,” Anderson said.
“I have a better chance this year and I’m going to do what I have to do to make the team.”
Reflecting on what he did to prepare for camp Anderson went on to state,
“I’ve been working out. I got onto the ice about a month and a half ago. I’ve been skating in Guelph, Waterloo and Cambridge.”
In breaking down his game and critiquing what he wants to improve on Anderson never hesitated before replying,
“Not getting the puck taken away, and skating faster. Stuff like that,” he said.
Coming off his first season playing junior hockey, Anderson found the player a lot “stronger” and “faster” than what he was used to in minor.
“I didn’t know what to expect and a couple of guys took me under their wing and I did pretty good.”
A big thrill for Anderson is the prospects of playing against two buddies he grew up with playing minor hockey together in Sarnia Sting forward Theo Hill and Steve LaForme who this summer was just traded to the Ottawa 67’s.
“We grew up playing minor hockey together,” Anderson said. “That (playing against them) would be a good honour.”
Currently, no concrete training camp dates have been announced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Right now, Anderson is just working out, and making sure that he is ready to answer the bell once the Rangers hit the ice for camp.
