of the Red team of the White team during the Arizona Coyotes scrimmage game at Gila River Arena on September 24, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona.

Craig Cunningham is returning to hockey.

Back in November, Cunningham, then the captain of the Tuscon Roadrunners, had a heart attack on the ice, nearly dying. After undergoing a tough recovery process (included a partial leg amputation) Cunningham is back where he belongs: in the world of professional hockey.

On Wednesday, the Arizona Coyotes announced Cunningham will join the team as a pro scout. Along with scouting, the 26-year-old will assist with player development in the organization.

“We’re thrilled to have Craig join our hockey operations department as a pro scout,” said Coyotes GM John Chayka in a press release. “Craig was a smart, hard-working player with an incredible passion for the game. We’re confident that he will bring those same qualities to the Coyotes in his new role and that he will be an invaluable asset to our organization. We look forward to Craig helping us in several areas and are excited that he is staying with the club.”

Based on how well respected he was around the league, it comes as little surprise he found a job with the Yotes – who unquestionably consider Cunningham part of the organization’s family following the ordeal. It’s a close bond that will continue to grow.

Frankly, Cunningham deserves the break. Just because his career on the ice is over, it doesn’t mean his involvement in the game also had to end.

It’s fantastic to see Cunningham stick around after the scary ordeal. Here’s to hoping his career in pro scouting is a long and successful one.

[NHL.com] [Photo via Chris Carlson/AP]

About Liam McGuire

Social +Staff writer for The Comeback & Awful Announcing. Liammcguirejournalism@gmail.com