Jim Benning

James Benning (born April 29, 1963 in Edmonton, Alberta) is a retired professional ice hockey defenceman. Drafted in the first round (6th overall) in the 1981 NHLentry draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, he played 605 games over nine seasons for the Leafs and the Vancouver Canucks, compiling 52 goals and 191 points.

Prior to his professional career, he played for the Ft. Saskatchewan Traders of the Alberta Junior Hockey League and the Portland Winter Hawks of the Western Hockey League. While with the Winter Hawks in 1980–81, he set league records for most consecutive games with an assist (30) and with a point (45) while compiling 28 goals and a league-leading 111 assists (also a league record for defencemen) for 139 points and being named the league's top defenceman.

Following his playing career, he served an amateur scout for the Anaheim Ducks (93–94) and then joined the Buffalo Sabres as a scout (1994–98) and as Director of Amateur Scouting (1998–2004). He is presently the Assistant General Manager of the Boston Bruins.

Awards

 * 1980-81 Bill Hunter Trophy (WHL) (top defenceman - Western Hockey League)