The Western Canada Professional Hockey Scouts Foundation’s second annual Wall of Honour induction dinner is scheduled for Okotoks on July 29. . . . Okotoks, the home of the BCHL’s Oilers, also is the home of the Wall of Honour. Yes, it’s right here in the Viking Rentals Centre. . . . That also will be the site of induction dinner, tickets for which are available on the Foundation’s website (hockeyscoutsfoundation.com). . . . In the meantime, we are introducing folks to members of the Wall of Honour’s Class of ’25. This time we would like you to meet Jim Benning. . . .
JIM BENNING
(April 29, 1963 — )
From Edmonton, he followed in the footsteps of his late father, Elmer, who scouted for the Montreal Canadiens for 47 years. Elmer was inducted into the Wall of Honour in 2024. . . . Jim was named WHL’s top defenceman (1980-81) while with the Portland Winterhawks. The Toronto Maple Leafs selected him sixth overall in the NHL’s 1981 draft. . . . Retired after spending 1991-92 in Italy. . . . Got into scouting with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 1993. . . . Began a 12-year run with the Buffalo Sabres in 1994. Was director of amateur scouting for the last eight of those years. . . . Moved to the Boston Bruins in 2006 as director of player personnel. Was assistant general manager from 2007-14 when the Vancouver Canucks hired him as general manager. Stayed there through Dec. 6, 2022. . . . Was inducted into Winterhawks’ Hall of Fame (2025).
———-
TAKING NOTE 