Baxter Anderson is moving on to Canadian University Hockey (USports) at UOIT (Ontario Tech University) after aging out at the Junior A level. During the 2020-2021 season, Baxter played a key shut down role for the Clippers including filling it on defence when the Clippers had a deleted lineup due to injuries. He accumulated eight points in 19 games while dominating some games with his strong work ethic and elite level skating skills.
The Nanaimo Clippers had acquired the 21-year-old forward from the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL leading up to the 2020-2021 season. He was drafted in the 4th round, 83rd overall by Medicine Hat Tigers in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft and after being a point a game player in two Major Midget seasons, he moved on to the WHL and accumulated 172 games with Medicine Hat over 4 seasons in a defensive role.
Darren Naylor commented, “Baxter turned out exactly as expected last year. He is a great skating, fierce competitor with a very high hockey IQ. Baxter plays a 200 feet game who, when given a chance, can put up offensive numbers. Baxter is also an elite level face-off expert and a great team mate. His work ethic is something else.”
Wes Mussio, President and Owner of the Clippers added, “I am glad to see Baxter continuing his hockey career after leaving Junior A. He was easily the hardest working, 2-way forward on our team last season. Simply put, Baxter is the kind of character player that teams win championships with. He will have a productive 4 years at the college hockey level and probably some pro hockey opportunities thereafter.”
