Karl Alzner was a standout defensemen in his four-year Western Hockey League career with the Calgary Hitmen.
The 6’2”, 206-lb product of Burnaby, B.C., led the Hitmen to four straight winning seasons and to two consecutive appearances in the WHL Eastern Conference Championship series, was named the WHL Defenseman and Player of the Year in 2007-08, and helped lead Canada’s National Junior team to two Gold medals in 2007 and 2008.
Now, the affable Alzner is establishing himself as a solid defense prospect in his first season of professional hockey, which he has split between the NHL’s Washington Capitals and the AHL’s Hershey Bears.
Drafted by the Capitals with the fifth overall pick at the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Alzner has performed well in his first season as a pro hockey player. The 20-year-old, rock-steady rearguard has posted three goals and 14 points with an outstanding +22 rating in 33 games with the Hershey Bears in the AHL. He’s also tallied one goal and five points in 30 games with the Washington Capitals.
One of the brightest prospects in the Capitals’ system, Alzner joins fellow WHL graduates Mike Green, Jeff Schultz, Shaone Morrisonn and Tyler Sloan on Washington’s blue line.
With solid young prospects like Alzner, it’s no wonder the Washington Capitals are one of the most exciting, up-and-coming teams in the NHL.
CATCHING UP WITH…KARL ALZNER
On life as a professional hockey player…
“It’s an adjustment, for sure. I had gotten used to living away from home during my WHL career. But, now I’m learning to be self-sufficient and responsible, because up here, you don’t have the benefit of staying with billets, and you have to do things for yourself like pay bills and rent, and look after day-to-day things like that. I’m learning to be independent and look after myself. It helps a lot to have great teammates and friends to help you get used to it.”
On making the jump to the NHL…
“It’s a huge jump. The thing you notice right away is that guys go out there for 30 or 40-second shifts and they work really hard the entire time. You can’t float around out there, and you have to be alert all the time. I know I got caught a couple times just watching, and you get beat pretty quick if you’re not on the ball. It’s a big mental test, too, getting to that level. I remember my first NHL game, versus Atlanta, and I was so nervous that I thought I was gonna be sick. But, being put with good players and a good defense partner, I was lucky to settle down and get away pretty unscathed.”
On the WHL grads on the Capitals…
“The nicest thing for me was knowing a coach (former Hitmen assistant Dean Evason). Knowing Dean really helped in that he was familiar with me and I knew where he was coming from. I was able to talk to him and he really helped with my adjustment to the NHL. Having (former Hitmen defenseman Jeff Schultz) there has been really good. He’s a pretty quiet guy around the room, but he’s had some really good things to say to me and has made the transition more comfortable.”
On playing with Alexander Ovechkin…
“I already knew he was one of the best and most exciting players out there. But, getting to play with him and see what he does, I now know he is the best player in the world, hands down. The things he does in games are things that guys only try in practice…and he does them like it’s second-nature. Off the ice, Ovie is the same as he is on the ice. He’s really energetic, fun, and likes to laugh and chat with people.”
On how his WHL career got him to where he is today…
“It’s obviously been a huge thing. (The Bears) just got back at 2:00AM from a long road trip on the bus, and it can take a lot out of you. But, having been through the long grind of the WHL season, with lots of long bus trips, I know how to handle it. In the WHL, you learn how to manage your season because there are a lot of ups and downs with such a heavy schedule, and it really helps prepare you for the next level. If I had a son, I would definitely lean towards having him play in the WHL because it is such a great time, not only for developing as a hockey player but also as a person. You do a lot of growing up, and you learn so much.”
On living in Washington and Hershey…
“In Washington, people are always on the go and busy. The city is pretty big, and there’s lots going on all the time. I find that people are always in a hurry in Washington, and you notice it a lot when you’re driving because people aren’t as quick to let you in. They Call Hershey the ‘Sweetest Place on Earth’ and I’d have to agree with that. I have a hard time avoiding the chocolate factory, for sure. Hershey’s a nice place, and a lot quieter than Washington.”
On keeping up with the Hitmen…
“I check the whl.ca at least three or four times a week. Our video coach used to work with the Vancouver Giants, so we had a couple of bets this season…I won both because the Hitmen beat the Giants both times. I send texts to some guys saying congratulations and wishing encouragement. It’s also nice to see Joel Broda score 50 goals this season. He’s a Washington prospect, so it bodes well for our system.”
Jesse Watts
whl.ca |
