He played for the University of North Dakota from 1970 to 1973. The Detroit Red Wings chose him 58th overall in the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft. Anderson played for the Wings' farm team the London Lions in 1973-74 and then was called up to the Wings in 1974-75. Anderson was traded in mid-season to the Boston Bruins. In 1975-76 he missed most of the season due to calcium deposits on his thigh. He returned to the Bruins in 1976-77 but retired the following season.