Brian Benning is a former professional ice hockey player who played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on June 10, 1966, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and grew up playing hockey in his hometown.
Benning began his hockey career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Portland Winter Hawks in the early 1980s. He played for the team for three seasons, from 1982 to 1985, and was known for his offensive skills and ability to move the puck up the ice. In his final season with the Winter Hawks, Benning scored 24 goals and 82 points in 71 games, which caught the attention of NHL scouts.
In 1984, Benning was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the first round, 26th overall, in the NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Blues in the 1985-86 season and played for the team for three seasons. During his time with the Blues, Benning established himself as a solid defenseman and contributed to the team's success. He was known for his strong skating ability, his ability to read the play, and his physical play.
In 1988, Benning was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, where he played for two seasons. He continued to be a reliable defenseman for the Kings and helped the team reach the playoffs in both seasons. In 1990, Benning was traded again, this time to the Edmonton Oilers, where he played for four seasons. He was reunited with his brother Jim, who was also a defenseman for the Oilers at the time.
During his time with the Oilers, Benning played a key role in the team's success. He was a member of the Oilers team that won the Stanley Cup in 1990, and he contributed to the team's success with his solid defensive play and his ability to move the puck up the ice. He also played in the NHL All-Star Game in 1993.
In 1994, Benning was traded to the Anaheim Ducks, where he played for one season. He then signed as a free agent with the Vancouver Canucks in 1995, where he played his final season in the NHL.
Overall, Brian Benning had a successful career in the NHL, playing for five different teams over the course of 11 seasons. He was known for his offensive skills, his strong skating ability, and his physical play. He played in a total of 568 NHL games, scoring 52 goals and 191 assists for a total of 243 points. After retiring from hockey, Benning remained involved in the sport, working as a coach and a scout.
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