Frightening set of events unfolded in Arizona prior to the AHL game between the Tucson Roadrunners and the Manitoba Moose as Roadrunners captain Craig Cunningham collapsed to the ice after the anthems.
The Arizona Daily Star first reported on the incident:
Cunningham collapsed just moments before the puck was scheduled to drop. He appeared to convulse after hitting the ice. Medics worked on Cunningham, who was lying on his back, and cut away his jersey. They performed chest compressions before moving him off the ice and into an ambulance.
Players returned to their respective dressing rooms. The AHL announced the game would be postponed with no makeup scheduled at this time.
UPDATE:
The Arizona Coyotes, parent organization of the Roadrunners, released a brief statement on Cunningham:
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Coyotes coach Dave Tippett gave an informal update on Cunningham to beat writer Sarah McLellan following Arizona’s game:
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Tippett on Cunningham: “He’s in hospital. We’ll have more information tomorrow, but it was one of those real scary incidents.”
— Sarah McLellan (@azc_mclellan) November 20, 2016
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As word of Cunningham’s collapse spread around the hockey world, well wishes began to stream in from fans, organizations and players.
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My prayers are with Craig Cunningham and his family tonight. One of a kind guy
— Tyler Seguin (@tseguinofficial) November 20, 2016
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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
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My prayers are with Craig Cunningham and his family. One of the best guys I’ve met on and off the ice . #prayers
— davidpastrnak (@pastrnak96) November 20, 2016
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Praying for Craig Cunningham. One of the best guys I’ve played with.
— Michael Hutchinson (@mhutch34) November 20, 2016
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Our thoughts go out to Craig Cunningham and the @RoadrunnersAHL. We hope to see you on the ice soon. #AHLFamily
— San Diego Gulls (@SDGullsAHL) November 20, 2016
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Craig Cunningham is one of the best guy I know. I’m praying for you buddy ❤️
— Louis Domingue (@domingue35) November 20, 2016
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Barracuda extend our thoughts and prayers to Craig Cunningham, his family, and teammates @RoadrunnersAHL. #AHLFamily
— San Jose Barracuda (@sjbarracuda) November 20, 2016
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Prayers and thoughts are with Craig and the Cunningham Family tonight…
— Johnny Boychuk (@joboych) November 20, 2016
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Mike Smith on Craig Cunningham: “As a group in here we’re thinking about him and his family. Our thoughts & payers are going out to them.”
— Craig Morgan (@craigsmorgan) November 20, 2016
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Thoughts and prayers are going out to ex teammate Craig Cunningham and his family tonight.
— Nic Petan (@petan19) November 20, 2016
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Our thoughts are with @RoadrunnersAHL captain Craig Cunningham and his family tonight.
— Stockton Heat (@AHLHeat) November 20, 2016
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Thoughts & prayers of the @AHLBruins organization are with former captain Craig Cunningham & his family tonight: https://t.co/UT3Ct57nCH
— Providence Bruins (@AHLBruins) November 20, 2016
