Defenseman Drew Doughty will be one of the first players chosen in next year's NHL Entry Draft, but for now he's part of Team Canada's top pairing for the upcoming Super Series. His partner? Caps prospect Karl Alzner.

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Alzner and Doughty make for an interesting tandem. Alzner, from the Calgary Hitmen, is the Team Canada veteran, an assistant captain, and the team’s stabilizing force on the back end.

Doughty is the youngest defenceman on the team and a risk-taker.

"It’s been awesome being paired with Alzner," Doughty said. "He has so much experience. He’s such a very good player. I know he’s always back there so it’s good for me. We have really good chemistry and I think we’ll work well together."

Of all the players on Team Canada, Alzner probably has the best shot to go from this Super Series right into the NHL.

He was drafted fifth overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. When this eight-game series ends, he will go straight to rookie camp.

"The good thing is by the time main camp comes, I’m going to be in game shape and that should give me an edge over everyone else," Alzner said. "This is probably the best warmup for camp."

Mid-September can't come quickly enough, can it?