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The Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League announced the signing of a Chisago native late last week. General Manager Bob Gainey announced Wednesday the signing of free-agent defenseman Chad Anderson to a one-year, two-way contract (2008-09). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Anderson, 26, spent the 2007-08 season with the American Hockey League's Philadelphia Phantoms. In 55 regular-season games, the 6-foot-4, 217-pound blueliner amassed 13 points (two goals, 11 assists), served 35 penalty minutes and finished second on the team with a plus-11 rating.     

From 2003 to 2007, the Chisago native played in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) for the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves. In four seasons with the Seawolves, Anderson compiled 49 points (16 goals, 33 assists) and 215 penalty minutes in 138 games. 

In 2006-07, his final campaign with Alaska Anchorage, Anderson led all Seawolves defensemen with an NCAA personal-best 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists). He also finished second in the conference with 96 penalty minutes and third on the team with 89 shots on goal.

Anderson, a three-time WCHA All-Academic selection, captained the Seawolves for 15 games during his senior season.

For more on the Canadiens signing of Anderson, check out next weeks issue of the Chisago County Press.

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