Tucson Roadrunners: Craig Cunningham suffers medical emergency in pregame warmups Saturday

An extremely scary situation at TCC

Before Saturday night’s Tucson Roadrunners game against the Manitoba Moose, Tucson captain Craig Cunningham collapsed on the ice.

First responders took to the ice, ripping Cunningham’s jersey off and performing chest compressions on the 26-year-old according to Ezra Amacher and the Arizona Daily Star. Cunningham was then taken off the ice and transported to a local hospital. According to Sportsnet, the fire fighters were there performing with bagpipes before tending to Cunningham.

View from my vantage right after #CraigCunningham collapse. Arena was silent awaiting an update that never came. Hoping for the best. http://pic.twitter.com/Ge1cQSyqlW

— Denny Loucks (@canyonbluepilot) November 20, 2016

The parent club of the Roadrunners, the Arizona Coyotes, released the following statement from general manager John Chayka.

“Arizona Coyotes center Craig Cunningham suffered a medical emergency on the ice prior to the start of tonight’s game between the Tucson Roadrunners and the Manitoba Moose at the Tucson Convention Center. Cunningham was taken to a local hospital where he is receiving medical treatment. Our thoughts and prayers are with Craig and his family. We will provide a medical update once we receive more information.”

The Coyotes are expected to give an update on Cunningham’s condition on Sunday.

"They got to him right away, and he’s in hospital," Coyotes head coach Dave Tippett added. "We'll have more information tomorrow, but it was one of those real scary incidents."

Through 11 games, Cunningham is tied for the team lead with 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists).

Here he is talking about what it meant to him to be named this team’s captain:

Craig Cunningham, voted in as team captain Wednesday, shares his thoughts on being selected to wear the 'C'. http://pic.twitter.com/wsPZyKPT85

— Tucson Roadrunners (@RoadrunnersAHL) November 3, 2016

Drafted in the fourth round by the Boston Bruins of the 2010 NHL Draft, Cunningham has played in 63 NHL games, recording eight points in those contests. He has recorded five points in 29 games with the Coyotes after playing 34 games for the Bruins.

Understandably, players and teams from across the hockey community have sent out messages of encouragement, thoughts, and prayers since the incident occurred.

Craig Cunningham is one of the best guy I know. I'm praying for you buddy ❤️

— Louis Domingue (@domingue35) November 20, 2016

My prayers are with Craig Cunningham and his family tonight. One of a kind guy

— Tyler Seguin (@tseguinofficial) November 20, 2016

Thoughts and prayers for Craig Cunningham!!!

— UA Wildcat Hockey (@UAWildcatHockey) November 20, 2016

Everyone please send your thoughts and prayers to Craig Cunningham and his family tonight!

— Alex Goligoski (@gollygoose33) November 20, 2016

Been lucky to meet great people in this game. None better than Craig Cunningham. Please pray and think of him tonight.

— Ray Ferraro (@rayferrarotsn) November 20, 2016

Barracuda extend our thoughts and prayers to Craig Cunningham, his family, and teammates @RoadrunnersAHL. #AHLFamily

— San Jose Barracuda (@sjbarracuda) November 20, 2016

The thoughts and prayers of Springfield go out to the former Falcons captain Craig Cunningham and his family.

— Springfield T-Birds (@thunderbirdsahl) November 20, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with Craig Cunningham, his family, teammates and the @RoadrunnersAHL. https://t.co/u7uIY2uKUC

— Manitoba Moose (@ManitobaMoose) November 20, 2016

The WHL sends its thoughts & prayers to @WHLGiants alumnus Craig Cunningham along with his family & friends. https://t.co/ohpCnl7gRb

— The WHL (@TheWHL) November 20, 2016

The game between Tucson and Manitoba was postponed with no makeup date announced.

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