UTICA – Jim Benning picked quite a game to check in on the Vancouver Canucks’ American Hockey League affiliate.

Benning, the Canucks general manger, was in attendance for the Utica Comets’ 8-1 rout of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Friday in which everything seemed to go right for the local club.

“Utica is an important part of what we’re doing up in Vancouver,” Benning said after Friday’s game during what is part of a rare visit to Utica for Vancouver’s top hockey operations official. “It is nice to get in here and see some of the young kids play. ... Having a good minor league team is important to the development of our young players.”

It has been a tough season in a few areas for the Comets – depleted by Canucks’ call-ups and a slew of injuries for an extended stretch – which also hit a prolonged winless skid in March.

Friday’s game was a bright spot for the team and included some standout performances from forward prospects Lukas Jasek (goal, assist), Jonah Gadjovich (goal) and Kole Lind (goal) – who have each had some struggles in their early AHL experience. Zack MacEwen – the undrafted forward who has had a standout second season with Utica and made his NHL debut in February – also had a pair of assists in the lopsided victory.

Benning seemed generally happy with their progress while in Utica. Earlier this season, the Canucks agreed to an affiliation extension with Utica for up to six seasons. Benning also praised the updates to the Adirondack Bank Center at Utica Memorial Auditorium.

“It is a learning experience. It is a big jump from even junior hockey to playing in the AHL,” said Benning, who noted Comets General Manager Ryan Johnson and coach Trent Cull have done a good job this season. “Now going into the summer they understand the work that needs to be done to come into our training camp and have a good camp. If they’re down here next year, they have to take the next step down here.”

#Canucks GM Jim Benning said Comets coaching staff has worked hard with young players: It is a learning experience for (them). It is a process. I think the coaches have done a good job.”



Asked if Trent Cull will return next season: Yes, he will be back next year.

— Ben Birnell (@OD_Birnell)April 13, 2019

Benning noted that defensemen Ashton Sautner, Guillaume Brisebois – who needs surgery for a hip injury but should be ready for training camp, he said – as well as goaltender Thatcher Demko and MacEwen had solid moments during their time with the Canucks.

Asked about a perceived lack of support for the Comets this season among some in terms of not getting players back – besides Brisebois, only Sautner was made eligible but eventually needed waivers to return and didn’t re-join the Comets – Benning said it wasn’t on purpose, citing injury troubles.

“That's just what happens over the course of the year,” Benning said. “So, I don't think there's much more we could have done.”

Benning was also supportive of the Comets’ coaching staff, who he said have “worked hard with the young players.”

Asked about Cull returning from his third season with Utica, Benning gave him a vote of confidence.

“He’ll be back next year,” he said.