Craig Cunningham is back in Roadrunners colors nearly two months after suffering a career-ending injury which nearly killed him.
Back in November, the former Roadrunners captain nearly died after collapsing on the ice pre-game. After not hearing much regarding his condition, in December his near-death experience was detailed. Cunningham had part of his leg amputated in efforts to save his life.
Cunningham returned to Tuscon and the Roadrunners organization on Saturday, taking in a game between his former team and the Texas Stars. Cunningham got to be around familiar faces on the Roadrunners and be in a familiar position before his injury. While he wasn’t on the ice, being there at all is a great sign of his recovery.
Back home 🙂 #CunnyDid pic.twitter.com/6bMrx5w58D
— Tucson Roadrunners (@RoadrunnersAHL) January 15, 2017
Cunningham was welcomed back in Tuscon with a standing ovation from everyone in attendance.
A night to smile. pic.twitter.com/Z2TVPqlWhH
— Tucson Roadrunners (@RoadrunnersAHL) January 15, 2017
Cunningham’s life changed in an instant after collapsing on the ice. It’s almost a certainty he won’t play pro hockey again, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a big part of the Roadrunners organization going forward. He was the captain and a much-respected presence. An injury doesn’t change that.
Cunningham might be done with playing, but I doubt he’s done with the game. Here’s hoping to a continued recovery and more appearances like the one on Saturday.
[theScore]
