Craig Cunningham returns to Roadrunners to standing ovation

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.

Cunningham was welcomed back in Tuscon with a standing ovation from everyone in attendance.

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]

About Liam McGuire

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

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