Craig Anderson Bids Emotional Farewell to NHL After 20-Year Career

Craig Anderson Bids Emotional Farewell to NHL After 20-Year Career

Craig Anderson, the veteran goaltender for the Buffalo Sabres, announced his retirement from the NHL after a 20-year career. The 40-year-old goaltender announced his decision after the Sabres' victory over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night, April 13th, 2023. Anderson leaves the league as a fan favorite and a respected player, having made a significant impact on and off the ice throughout his career.

Early Life and Career

Craig Anderson was born on May 21, 1981, in Park Ridge, Illinois, and grew up playing ice hockey. He attended Gurnee Warren High School in Gurnee, Illinois, where he was a standout player on the school's varsity team. Anderson then played for the Chicago Freeze of the North American Hockey League and went on to play college hockey for the University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks.

Anderson's professional career began in 2001 when he was signed by the Chicago Blackhawks. He spent the first few years of his career bouncing back and forth between the Blackhawks and their minor league affiliates. In 2006, Anderson was traded to the Florida Panthers, where he played his first full NHL season, appearing in 17 games.

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Career Highlights

Anderson's career hit its peak during his time with the Ottawa Senators. He was acquired by the Senators in 2011 and quickly established himself as the team's starting goaltender. In the 2012 NHL playoffs, Anderson played a pivotal role in leading the Senators to the second round, recording a .950 save percentage and a 1.80 goals-against average in 7 games.

Anderson went on to have several more successful seasons with the Senators, finishing as a finalist for the Vezina Trophy in the 2012-13 season. He also represented Team USA at the 2016 IIHF World Championships, helping the team win a bronze medal.

In 2017, Anderson was traded to the Colorado Avalanche, where he played for one season before signing with the Ottawa Senators again. He then signed with the Washington Capitals for the 2021-2022 season and finally ended his career with the Buffalo Sabres in the 2022-2023 season.

Off-Ice Contributions

Off the ice, Anderson has made significant contributions to the hockey community. He and his wife, Nicholle, have been strong advocates for cancer awareness and research, having gone through her own battle with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in 2016. The couple established the "Anderson Family Cancer Institute" at Nicholle's alma mater, the University of Ottawa, to help others affected by the disease.

Anderson's retirement marks the end of a career full of ups and downs. He finishes his career with a record of 296-221-70, a goals-against average of 2.84, and a save percentage of .913. Despite never winning a Stanley Cup, Anderson will be remembered as a reliable goaltender and a respected member of the hockey community.

Keywords: Craig Anderson, retirement, NHL, Buffalo Sabres, Ottawa Senators, Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, cancer awareness, goals-against average, save percentage, Stanley Cup.

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