Anderson began his humble road to the big league in 1977/78 as a member of the B.C. Junior Hockey League’s Bellingham Blazers. Moving to Denver University in 1978, he led his team, with an impressive 26 goals and 29 assists in his one year there. In 1979 he was selected 69th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL entry draft. His talent earned him a coveted position on the Canadian Hockey Program, participating at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympic Winter Games.

To his fans, Anderson’s name will always be associated with the great Stanley Cup teams in Edmonton. During his 11 years there, he averaged more than 37 goals and 81 points per season. Known as a gritty right winger, he played with a relentless attitude to get the puck. He exceeded the impressive 50-goal mark twice and was honoured as a member of the Century Club. But he didn’t stop there. He played in a total of 1,129 games and scored an amazing 1,099 points over his career. His other achievements included playing in four All-Star games, 4 Canada Cup teams, and playing in 225 playoff games accumulating 93 goals, 121 assists, and 214 points which is 4th in all time NHL playoff scoring. In 1994 Anderson was rewarded with his sixth Stanley Cup win.

Anderson was equally devoted off-ice. His goal sponsorship program was a unique partnership with corporate sponsor, Acklands Limited. The company generously donated $1,000 to the W.W. Cross Cancer Institute for every goal Anderson scored. Another favorite charity was the Uncles at Large program providing opportunities to less fortunate children and of course his annual golf tournament in his name which also helped raise much needed funds. Anderson currently has a hospital wing named after him at the University of Alberta.