Prince George Mayor Lyn Hall with Trevor Linden and Jim Benning of the Canucks at the Civic Centre Friday morning for a breakfast townhall event hosted by the Prince George Chamber of Commerce  – photos 250 News

Prince George, B.C. – The Vancouver Canucks have finally kicked off training camp in Prince George and their top brass like what they see so far.

Canucks GM Jim Benning and president of hockey operations Trevor Linden

President of hockey operations Trevor Linden and GM Jim Benning had the chance to address locals and the media at a Prince George Chamber of Commerce breakfast townhall at the Civic Centre this morning.

“You couldn’t ask for anything better,” said Linden. “The Prince George Cougars have been amazing to work with and it’s been a really great situation. The dressing rooms and the facility (CN Centre) is first rate and of course the rink is great. It’s going to serve us well.”

He said it was important the Canucks come up North to acknowledge their fan base extends beyond the Lower Mainland.

“I really wanted to come up here. I think the guys will understand why for two reasons,” said Linden. “I think it’s great to just come up and spend some time here and expose what we’re doing to our fans up here and also it’s great for our players that they understand the Vancouver Canucks are really B.C.’s team.”

And what were Benning’s first impressions?

“It’s a beautiful setup. This is amazing, they’ve done a great job and it seems like the whole region is excited,” he said, adding he too was impressed with the facilities. “Yes, Trevor and I go to these all over the province and in around Vancouver and I can say this is maybe one of the best setups we’ve been to.”

Benning also weighed in on his expectations for the organization this season.

“Well our goal is always to be a competitive team and make the playoffs and then advance in the playoffs,” he said. “That’s what we play for, a chance to compete for the Cup but it’s a long process to get there, we understand that and it starts right now though.”