Josh Anderson 2016 Development Camp

Defenseman Josh Anderson is in his first Colorado Avalanche training camp after he was selected by the team in the third round (71st overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft.
The 18-year-old defenseman out of Nanaimo, British Columbia, has spent the last two seasons skating in the Western Hockey League for the Prince George Cougars. In his most recent campaign, the 6-foot-2, 225-pound blueliner registered six points (one goal, five assists) and added 86 penalty minutes in 39 contests. He missed the end of last season after suffering a back injury on Jan. 16.

Anderson sat down with ColoradoAvalanche.com earlier this summer.
What would you be doing if you weren't playing hockey?
"If I wasn't playing hockey I would probably be a fish and games officer or a police officer. The adrenaline rushes you get, I guess. I've always been kind of along those lines. My dad is a paramedic, and he tells me some stories about police officers, so it's just something I'd like to get into."
What do you like to do when you're not on the ice?
"I'm outdoorsy. I like to go fishing in my down time. So that's mostly it."
What is one of your favorite memories about in Prince George?
"I think just the outdoorsy-type community. It's been great; my billets have been great. I've had a lot of fun up there, and I'm itching to go back-I can't wait for the season to start."
Is there a specific moment when you realized you wanted to be a hockey player?
"Just growing up and each step I took in my career I think I just realized I wanted to play hockey that much more. Now that I was drafted this year, it definitely helped my confidence out there."
What was the draft experience like?
"I was actually at the draft, so it was pretty nerve-wracking. At the time, I was really speechless and I was just really happy."
What has stood out to you about the Avalanche organization?
"The experience here has been great. Learning nothing but the best, so I'm really happy. Excited to be part of the Colorado Avalanche organization."
Is there any NHL player that you want to model your game after?
"I wouldn't say model my game after; I'd say I like to watch Shea Weber though. He's just a hard-nosed, big, team guy."
What is your best attribute as a hockey player?
"Just being a team guy, I think. Moving my feet, moving the puck up ice. I think I'm always there for guys on and off the ice, so definitely a team guy."