El Paso’s newest addition to the NAHL 2021-22 roster is forward Jack Anderson. Read more about the Missouri defenseman below.
Missouri defenseman Jack Anderson was first introduced to the Rhinos when the NAHL announced the West Texas franchise would join the league for the 2021-22 season. At the time, Jack was playing in the North American Prospects Hockey League, which has established itself as one of the premier grounds for development and exposure.
Rhino Associate Head Coach Vinny Bohn saw Jack play in NAPHL events and was impressed by his continual progression and willingness to work hard. “He kept improving every time I saw him during the course of the year,” Bohn explained. “Jack’s work ethic off the ice showed us what kind of player he will be at the NAHL level. In getting to know him and his family, he’s got a great character. He’s a Rhino. His development is testament to the CarShield Hockey program, and they have done a fantastic job preparing Jack for the next level. He adds size, leadership, and skating ability to our team for next season.”
For Jack, El Paso’s constant support and backing was the selling point. “[Coach Bohn] started talking about the community, how they sell out and right then I knew this was the team I wanted to play for.” Last season, Jack’s high school team, Oakville, advanced to the state championship before losing in the final game, 3-1, to Duchesne. Despite their loss, he recognized the impact that local support had on the team’s success. “Having the community feeling, like when I was playing in high school, is fun to me. Being able to go to the state championship with the whole community’s support, I really like that aspect of it.” Jack knew that Rhino Country would give him a similar experience.
At 6’6” and 225 lbs., Anderson’s presence is undeniable. “When I’m out on the ice, people know it. They know they’re not going to get around me without a little jab. I like to use [my size] as my advantage. “I’m a big body so I take pride in being aggressive and getting hits when I need to. I also make smart plays on both sides of the puck and I know how to handle the puck.” He does admit that his imposing frame also makes being quick challenging. “I need to work on quicker feet because of my size. I want to get faster with the puck.”
In his final year before heading to Rhino Country, Jack is having the best season of his career. With his CarShield 18U AAA team, he’s played 57 games and recorded 12 goals and 21 assists for a total of 33 points. “It’s definitely been the best season of my career yet. I’m playing really well defensively and putting up lots of points.”
Ten Things with Tender Jack Anderson
1. What’s the greatest lesson hockey has taught you? Being patient
I was injured a couple years back and had to learn to be patient coming back from it. I had to be okay with missing out on stuff so that I could get better and heal.
2. How do you feel about putting pineapple on pizza? Doesn’t hate it
“I’ve tried it, can’t say I like it, but I don’t mind it.”
3. If you weren’t playing hockey what sport would you play? Baseball
Jack was the third baseman for his high school baseball team up until two years ago. Although he decided to focus on hockey, he’s still a St. Louis Cardinals fan.
4. Is there a word you hate? Being called buddy
Without hesitation, Jack said, “I don’t like being called buddy. I don’t know why, just not a big fan of that word.”
5. What is in your fridge right now? “Gatorade, yogurt, milk, the obvious stuff and left over steak from last night.”
6. If you could be on the cast of any television series or movie, what would it be? The Avengers
“I like superhero movies and it would be cool to be one of those guys.” And if he had to choose a superhero to be, it would be Iron Man so he would have the ability to fly.
7. Would you rather live (permanently) in a roller coaster park or in a zoo? Zoo
“The animals would do different things every day. Roller coasters would be the same every time.”
8. If money were no issue, what is the most expensive item you’d purchase? A matte black Lamborghini
9. Unlimited sushi for life or unlimited tacos for life? Tacos
“I’m a big fan of tacos.”
10. If you could run one business, which would it be, and how would you change it? Apple
He’d lower the prices. “The phone prices are kinda getting a little high now.”
According to NAHL.com, “A tender is a contract, of sorts, a player signs announcing his intentions to play for that particular NAHL team and that NAHL team only. Once a player signs a tender with an NAHL team, his playing rights belong to that team within the NAHL and he may not be recruited by any other NAHL team. Each team is granted ten (10) tenders – plus or minus any trades – which become active on Nov. 1. Tendered players are not eligible for the NAHL draft.”
