Copperheads defenceman earns U.S. scholarship

Some people just don't get along with their roommates.

There was a time, not too long ago, that Levi Anderson probably had a healthy dislike for his roommates. And they weren't even roommates yet.

As a star defenceman with the HJHL's Coaldale Copperheads, Anderson wasn't the best of friends with members of the rival Airdrie Thunder.

But now, just a few short months later, he's living with three Thunder players — Cooper Page, Jason Wenzel and Tyler McCarry — in Great Falls, Mont.

All four former HJHL players will play for the University of Providence Argonauts this fall.

"To be honest, they're great roommates," Anderson says with a laugh. "It's a lot of fun here.

"We're having a blast."

Anderson put up 16 goals and 43 points in just 32 games last season with the Snakes and was named the HJHL's most sportsmanlike player.

But it wasn't until the post-season that the Providence scouts came to have a look.

"They didn't see me play (during the regular season) because I was out with an injury," the two-time HJHL all-star says. "But they came up in playoffs and watched.

And the Argonauts' scouts liked what they saw from Anderson, who had a pair of goals and six points as the Copperheads won the South Division before bowing out to the Thunder in the league championship.

"They contacted Danton (Shigemi, Copperheads head coach), and he gave them a couple of names to come and take a look at."

Anderson said he had no idea his time in the HJHL would lead to a scholarship.

But with the high level of talent, the Heritage League is becoming a hotbed for college scouts.

"I didn't really expect this," the 21-year-old says. "When the opportunity first came, it shocked me a little bit. It was a pleasant surprise.

"There's a lot of talent in the Heritage League, that's for sure."

The Pincher Creek product is enrolled in the exercise science graduate program in Montana and hopes to pursue sports medicine down the road.

Anderson, who helped the Copperheads to a division final and then two trips to the league championship and provincial tournament, can't wait to get going with the Argonauts.

"Last year was their first year in the (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) and they did fairly well for being a first-year team," the 5-foot-11, 180-pounder says. "It's pretty good hockey.

"I'm looking forward to the year."

The Argos open the season at home with a pair of games against the Williston State College Tetons (Oct. 4-5) before hitting the road to take on the Brigham Young University Cougars.