2020 NHL Draft Player Card: Michael Benning

Welcome to the new "Player Card" series at FloridaPanthers.com presented by Truist! In these articles, we'll break down both the basics and the beyond when it comes to some of your favorite Panthers players and prospects through their on-ice statistics, off-ice interests, and an informative Q&A session.
In today's card, we'll a look at Florida's 2020 fourth-round draft pick, Michael Benning.

THE BASICS

Name:Michael Benning
Position:Defenseman
Date of Birth: Jan. 5, 2002
Birthplace: St. Albert, AB
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 174 lbs.
Shoots:Right

2019-20 SUMMARY

Every year during the NHL Draft you hear a lot of talk about pedigree. Phrases like, "good hockey genes" or "NHL bloodlines" are often thrown around in discussions evaluating players.
When the Panthers selected Mike Benning 95th overall in round four of the 2020 NHL Draft, they hit the "good hockey genes" jackpot. Benning's father, Brian, played 11 years in the NHL.
Coincidentally, his last two happened to be as a member of the Florida Panthers.
"I know he loved it there and he said I'd love it there too," said Benning. "Just having that history between the team and my family, I think that will be a great moment for sure."
Mike's brother, Matthew, is a current member of the Nashville Predators after spending the previous four years with the Edmonton Oilers. And if the name Jim Benning sounds familiar, it should. He's Mike's uncle, and also the General Manager of the Vancouver Canucks.
Bottom line, Benning has hockey running through his veins.
But don't let this pedigree fool you, the 5'10" defenseman was drafted for much more than his impressive family tree.
In the 2019-20 season, the 18-year-old from St. Albert, AB tallied 12 goals and 63 assists for 75 points in his 54 games with the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. He was named the AJHL and CJHL's "Most Outstanding Defenseman" and was a 2020 AJHL All-Star.
Benning brings a strong offensive ability to his game and is a very skilled passer, as suggested from his impressive 63 assists last season. He is very efficient in moving the puck up the ice quickly and has a strong hockey IQ.
Now a freshman at the University of Denver, the Panthers prospect is off to a hot start with the Pioneers as they begin NCHC competition. In six games this season, Benning has tallied one goal, six assists, and is +3.

POST-DRAFT Q&A

FloridaPanthers.com: What was your initial reaction to being drafted by the Panthers?
Benning: I was really excited. I was so stoked honestly, it took the wind out of me. I just kinda stood there until I got a call from the Panthers. I was just kinda speechless.
FloridaPanthers.com: With the draft being held digitally this year, did you find out on TV that you'd been selected or were you tipped off before the announcement was made?
Benning: Actually, I couldn't even get it on TV cause none of our TV's in the dorm had cable so I was just online and I was Facetiming my buddies and their feed was a little bit ahead of mine and they just go "Mikey you got drafted!" and then I saw my name pop up.
FloridaPanthers.com: It's no secret you come from a big hockey family. Your brother currently plays for Nashville. Your Dad, Brian, was a Florida Panther for two years. How much did it help your own career to grow up in a hockey family like that?
Benning:Everyone in my family played hockey, even my sister, so it was a really competitive household. No one wanted to lose whether it was cards or mini sticks. I think that competitive nature really pushed all of us to get to where we are. My brother, my dad, and my sister as well, they all pushed me to become the player I am today.
FloridaPanthers.com: How special is it to know you have a chance to play for an NHL team your Dad played for and share that type of connection?
Benning: Oh yeah, it's a great opportunity that's for sure. I know he loved it there and he said I'd love it there too. Just having that history between the team and my family, I think that will be a great moment for sure.
FloridaPanthers.com: When we talked to you right after you were drafted you mentioned you actually had some of your Dad's old Panthers gear, have you seen the Panther's new Reverse Retro gear and been sporting any of your own lately?
Benning:My Dad definitely has some retro stuff in his trophy room at home. I brought my (Panthers) retro shirt and shorts into the NCHC pod here and I've been wearing those quite a bit. Jerseys look nice though I saw those!
FloridaPanthers.com: You're a freshman this year at Denver and off to a great start. Last night's game vs. Miami was a big moment for you. Tell me about scoring your first college hockey goal since it will obviously be one you're gonna remember?
Benning:It was really exciting. Didn't know it was gonna be a breakaway for my first college goal. My buddy Carter Savoie, (teammate from Sherwood Park) he came into the huddle because he was on the ice too, and it was just a great moment, going through the fly by I had a big smile on my face.
FloridaPanthers.com: What has the transition to college hockey been like so far, and what do you hope to accomplish during your time there?
Benning: It was obviously a big transition. Coming in we had 11 weeks of practice which was a big help for me just getting used to the pace and the speed and strength. The speed was a huge factor. The style of play was an adjustment too, it's very systematic here and there's not a lot of room for error. I'm just trying to stick to my instincts in games and build on the success I've had so far.
FloridaPanthers.com: After working so long and hard to be drafted into the NHL, what's next and what do you focus on now that you are affiliated with an NHL team like the Panthers?
Benning: Getting better every day is my goal. I know in college we play less games so for me focusing on strength is a big thing, trying to get to the level the NHL guys are at. I think college is a great place to do that playing with older guys and stronger guys. It's just about me proving to myself and other people that I can eventually get to the NHL level and be there and play there and stay there.

QUICK HITTERS

Hockey Idol Growing Up:My Dad (Brian Benning)
Favorite Food: Reese's Puffs Cereal
Favorite Movie:The Dukes of Hazards
Last TV Binge Watch:Game of Thrones
Favorite Video Game: Call of Duty Modern Warfare
Dream NHL Video Game Teammate:Keith Yandle
Favorite Pump-Up Song: Mr. Right Now by 21 Savage
If I wasn't a hockey player, I'd play this sport:Tennis
\Photo courtesy of Target Photography*