ARLINGTON, Va. - The Washington Capitals signed defenceman Karl Alzner to a three-year entry-level contract on Thursday.
Alzner was the Capitals' first-round choice, fifth overall, in last year's NHL entry draft.
Alzner, a 19-year-old native of Burnaby, B.C., was recently named Western Hockey League player of the year and defenceman of the year after his fourth season with the Calgary Hitmen. He is a finalist for the Canadian Hockey League player of the year, with the winner to be announced Saturday night.
The Hitmen captain had 36 points (7-29), a plus-26 rating and 15 penalty minutes in 60 regular-season games.
Alzner has won two gold medals at the IIHF world junior championship and also represented his country in last year's Canada/Russia Super Series.
