Brian Benning was a smart and mobile defenceman who helped five clubs during a career that lasted nearly 600 games. His excellent puck- handling skills and ability to hit the net from the point made him particularly useful on the power play. The talented rearguard was the younger brother of offensive defenceman Jim Benning.
The native of Edmonton, Alberta was drafted 26th overall by the St. Louis Blues after recording 47 points in 38 games for the WHL's Portland Winter Hawks. In 1984-85, he dealt with injuries but managed to play briefly with the Blues and the junior Kamloops Blazers.
Benning spent the 1985-86 season with the Canadian National Team then joined the Blues in the playoffs when they reached the semi-finals. The youngster enjoyed a productive rookie season in 1986-87 with 49 points, seven power play goals, and a respectable +2 plus/minus rating. He was placed on the league's All-Rookie team and remained a fixture on the St. Louis blueline for another two years.
The slick defender was acquired by the L.A. Kings early in the 1989-90 season. His mobility and confidence with the puck suited the club's wide-open style of play. Two years later he joined the Philadelphia Flyers and logged plenty of ice time on the rebuilding club. Late in the 1992-93 season he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers then suited up for Canada at the World Championships. Benning retired in 1995 after playing with the Florida Panthers during their first two seasons in the NHL.
