Anderson enjoying first full-time campaign in the WHL

By Lethbridge Herald on January 29, 2026.

Nathan Reiter

Lethbridge Herald

It’s every coach’s dream to have a player that can fit anywhere in the lineup.

That’s a skill that 17-year-old forward Kai Anderson has brought to the Lethbridge Hurricanes in his first full WHL season.

Anderson was originally a sixth round pick of the Vancouver Giants in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, 117th overall. He was dealt to the Hurricanes just ahead of the 2024 trade deadline as part of a deal that saw Tyson Zimmer head to the Giants.

In 46 games for the Hurricanes this season, Anderson has recorded nine goals and two assists. He’s been one of the most disciplined players for Lethbridge, only taking two penalty minutes all season for a hooking minor in Regina back on Oct. 22.

Anderson was a point-per-game player with the Burnaby Winter Club’s U18 Prep program last season with 13 goals and 18 assists in 31 games.

Anderson says the adjustment to the WHL has taken some time.

“I’d say just like the speed and the physicality. It’s a lot of older guys, a lot stronger and a lot quicker for sure. I’d say getting up to pace is for sure the biggest change.”

Since returning from the holiday break, Anderson has registered three goals in 13 games.

Hurricane assistant coach Ryan Aasman says Anderson has had some growing pains but is starting to really find his footing.

“I think he learned how hard the league is to be a full-time guy after having some pretty good affiliate games for us last year, even played in the playoffs a little bit and played around some really good players and professionals. Since he’s come back from Christmas, he’s really embraced that and hit the reset button. He’s been a guy for us all year that we’ve used in key situations.”

“I think he’s figuring out how to get to certain spots to be a goal scorer. We really like the character of the person. He carries himself like he’s a 19-year-old. Sometimes we forget he’s a 17-year-old first-year player. I’m very excited about his leadership qualities and his rawness and I think there’s a lot more there if he continues to put the work in.”

In recent games, Anderson has made the transition to playing the centre position for Lethbridge. Last Friday, Anderson centred the Hurricane third line between Jake Evans and Oli Chenier.

Anderson says it was a bit of a learning experience playing at centre in the WHL, despite having played the position during his minor hockey days.

“Definitely the first game was a bit of a wake-up call. It’s a lot tougher. It’s a lot more competitive in the face-off circle. After that first game, it was quite the easy adjustment to kind of learn what other guys’ tendencies are. The centreman’s role is a big 200-foot game and you ought to be reliable in every zone. I thought it was pretty cool tap on the shoulder to be able to get the move to center.”

The Hurricanes have often tinkered with their line combinations throughout the season. With the coaching staff trying to figure out long term combinations and find the best option for a particular matchup, Aasman says Anderson’s versatility has proved to be exceptionally valuable.

“It’s just encouraging that you can use him there. You can slide him up in the lineup to be a shooter, to play with some good players, or you can move them to the middle and play in a middle lines role. He’s pretty good in the faceoff (circle) in terms of how he wins draws or knows our plans. There’s a lot of habits that you can tell that he has and makes him super versatile, which really helps us out when we create our lines.”

With several players on the Hurricane roster in their first full season in the WHL, it’s been a year of learning and development in Lethbridge. Anderson says he’s enjoyed the experience of getting to develop alongside many of his teammates.

“It’s nice to share other experiences, what works for guys and what doesn’t work. It’s taking in good feedback. We’re all on the same boat, getting older, and experiencing the same thing. As a younger team, you get to grow up, and come close with every guy on the team, I think it’s a pretty cool experience.”

Lethbridge returns to action on Friday night when they welcome the Calgary Hitmen to the VisitLethbridge.com Arena. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.