Coyotes’ Craig Cunningham in Critical Condition After On-Ice Collapse Before AHL Game

Tucson Roadrunners forward Craig Cunningham is in critical but stable condition after collapsing on the ice prior to an AHL game on Saturday, Arizona Coyotes head coach Dave Tippett announced Monday. Tippett also stated that “the team will not comment further out of respect for the Cunningham family.”

The 26-year-old collapsed just moments prior to puck drop of Saturday’s game (which was postponed) against the Manitoba Moose. He appeared to start convulsing after hitting the ice and medics performed chest compressions frantically before moving him to an ambulance. It was later reported that Cunningham suffered a possible heart attack, according to Vancouver News 1130.

Cunningham—who is currently in the Coyotes system and captain of the Roadrunners, Arizona’s AHL affiliate—is from Trail, British Columbia, and spent five seasons with the Vancouver Giants of the WHL, helping them capture the Memorial Cup in 2007.

Cunningham has bounced around between the AHL and NHL since being drafted in the fourth round by the Bruins in 2010. The gritty winger has eight points in 63 career NHL games, but his impact as a hockey player and human being is felt way beyond the score sheet by those close to him.

An outcry of support and love on social media from players who have suited up with and against Cunningham over the years has made it clear that he is one hell of a teammate and an even better person.