Harlan Anderson (2025) - Sports Wall of Fame

Sports Wall of Fame

Harlan Anderson

Class
Induction

2025
Sport(s)

Golden Bears Hockey

Golden Bears Defenceman (2003-2008)
Three-time CIS Champion (2005, 2006, 2008)
Four-time Canada West Champion (2004, 2005, 2006, 2008)
2008 Wilson Challenge Trophy Winner
2008 Canada West Player of the Year
2008 Canada West Defenceman of the Year
2006 CIS Tournament MVP
Two-time Academic All-Canadian (2005, 2007)
Two-time Canada West All-Star (2007, 2008)
Two-time CIS All-Canadian (2007, 2008)

In the incredibly successful history of Golden Bears Hockey, which dates all the way back to 1908, the program has seen multiple dynasties and Golden era’s. Having won 56 conference titles and 16 national championships will lead to that.

On the short list of greatest runs in program history, you have to include the period between 2003 and 2008. Four Canada West Championships, Three University Cup titles, including two that came on home ice in 2005 and 2006. The common denominator during that five-year period? 2025 Sports Wall of Fame Inductee Harlan Anderson, ‘08 BCom.

When you first think of Anderson, you immediately think of his fearless and determined leadership. Dating back to his junior career in Moose Jaw, through his five-year career as a Golden Bear, and into his stint as a professional in Germany and Norway, Anderson elevated every team he was on.

He is unquestionably on the short list of best defenceman in Golden Bears history, a list that includes future NHL players Ian Herbers, Cory Cross, and Randy Gregg. Among Bears defenceman, he is second all-time with 181 career points, and third in conference scoring among D-Men with 107 career points.

“The Golden Bears Hockey team is rich in leadership every season. The fact that Harlan was the captain in both 2007 and 2008 is a testament to his character and leadership skills,” said former Bears head coach and SWOF inductee Rob Daum. “To suggest his career with the Golden Bears was successful would be a gross understatement; Three CIS National Championships, four Canada West Championships, and the 2008 Wilson Challenge Trophy winner.”

A captain with Moose Jaw in the Western League, and future Warriors Hall of Fame member, Anderson joined the Golden Bears prior to the 2003/04 season. His impact on the ice was immediate and profound. A member of the 2004 Canada West and CIS All-Rookie teams, he helped lead the Bears to a conference title and fourth place finish at nationals as a freshman.

The 2005 season, Anderson’s second, will go down as one of the most memorable in program history. 24 conference wins, another Canada West title, culminating in a thrilling come-from-behind, overtime win over Saskatchewan in the national final at Rexall Place.

Over the next three years, Anderson and the Bears continued to rack up individual and team success. Anderson was a Canada West All-Star and CIS All-Canadian in both 2007 and 2008. He was a CIS Tournament All-Star in both 2006 and 2008, adding a second and third national titles to his resume.

His best season came in 2008. 27 points in 22 conference games, 44 points in 36 games total. He was named the 2008 Canada West MVP, and University of Alberta Male Athlete of the Year. But if you were to ask him, ending his varsity career as a national champion thanks to a 3-2 win over UNB in Moncton would be what he looks back on with the most pride.

A two-time CIS Academic All-Canadian, Anderson immediately transitioned from a tremendous hockey career into one as an accountant, rising to the rank of Partner with Acuity Advisors LLP.

“Harlan was one of the most successful Golden Bears Men’s Hockey student athletes of all time over the course of his University of Alberta career, excelling both on the ice and in the classroom,” said former teammate Gavin McLeod. “He was a great leader for the men’s hockey program during his playing career and has transitioned into a successful post-sport career.”

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