PROSPECTS: NCAA champ Mike Benning joins 'Panthers Pipeline' podcast

Even though a few weeks have passed, Mike Benning hasn't stopped smiling.
With thoughts of confetti and cheers still running through his head, the Panthers prospect recently joined the Panthers Pipeline podcast to discuss a bevy of topics, including what it was like to help guide Denver to a thrilling 5-1 win over Minnesota State in the NCAA Championship Game back on April 9.
"It was surreal," Benning said of the win. "At that final buzzer, when I saw the guys chucking their gloves, it's hard to put that into words. It was awesome. I couldn't have done it with a better group of guys. When it just came down to it, we got the job the done. That's what we went there for."
Named the "Most Outstanding Player" in the Frozen Four, Benning, who the Panthers selected in the fourth round (95th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft, scored the game-winning goal in the championship game when he blasted home a blistering one-timer put the Pioneers on top 2-1 in the third period.
From there, Denver added three more goals to claim its record-tying ninth NCAA title.
"I looked up at the big screen and saw my face pop up," Benning said when he found out about the honor. "I didn't really know what to say to be honest. It's a great accomplishment for me individually, but obviously the big one was winning the Natty. I didn't even realize it. … That was a cherry on top."
Leading Denver's defensemen in goals (15) and points (38) during his sophomore season, Benning, the son of former Panthers blueliner Brian Benning (1993-95), has racked up 49 points (18 goals, 31 assists), 122 shots on goal and 49 blocked shots in 62 games throughout his first two seasons with the Pioneers.
"This year I knew what to expect," the 20-year-old said. "I was out there to make a difference and not hold back. There are only a certain amount of games you play in college - two a weekend - and I tried to make the most out of them."
From an unforgettable season to his hockey-centric family tree, check out the link below to listen to Benning's full interview or click HERE to watch the video.