Canucks hire Benning as new GM

Toronto: Jim Benning, who played nine seasons in the NHL for Vancouver and Toronto, has been named the new general manager of the Vancouver Canucks, the NHL club announced Wednesday night.

The 51-year-old Benning served as the assistant general manager of the Boston Bruins for the past seven seasons. He replaces Mike Gillis, who was fired as president and general manager on April 8. The Canucks also fired head coach John Tortorella earlier this month after just one season in the job. Canadian Benning also worked with the Buffalo Sabres for 12 years, serving mainly as the club`s director of amateur scouting.