Canning was born on April 29, 1912 in Providence, Rhode Island to Joseph P. and Mary V.
Canning succeeded him as team president and took his seat on the league's board of directors.
[6][7] On October 7, 1957, Canning was elected president of the American Hockey League, a position he held until 1961, when he resigned to focus on his law practice.
[8][9][10] He returned to the role as governor for the Reds and in 1974 became the AHL's as vice president and general counsel.
[4][11] In 1972, Canning received the James C. Hendy Memorial Award, which is given annually to an executive who has made the most outstanding contribution to the American Hockey League.