Coyotes GM Chayka: Craig Cunningham still stable but critical

It has been less than a week since Tucson Roadrunners captain Craig Cunningham collapsed on the ice just before puck dropped for a game against the Manitoba Moose at the Tucson Convention Center.

Though no official diagnosis for what happened has been released, it has been reported that he appeared to convulse after hitting the ice, and from there medics cut away his jersey before performing chest compressions. Soon after that, they moved him off the ice and into an ambulance heading for the hospital.

In the time since, concern over his condition has understandably been high, with well wishes pouring in from all over the hockey landscape.

On Monday, Coyotes coach Dave Tippett said the 26-year-old Cunningham was in critical but stable condition.

Wednesday morning, GM John Chayka said he was down in Tucson Tuesday and the player’s status has not changed.

“It’s still kind of a similar story in terms of stable but critical, but he’s a special person,” Chayka told Doug and Wolf on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. “He’s a guy that everyone’s pulling for. He’s just a salt of the earth person, he’s a guy that gives everything he’s got every shift.

“He’s in a battle right now, but we know he’s going to fight as hard as anybody so certainly hoping for the best.”

Chayka added that it was apparent Cunningham’s teammates were all thinking of him during his visit.

“So it’s been a tough situation, but like I’ve said, I think our staff’s done the absolute best they could do, from the coaching staff, medical staff, and really happy with what they’ve done so far.”

Cunningham is a veteran of four NHL seasons, having played in parts of the last two with the Coyotes. In his NHL career, he has notched eight points and six PIMs. Along with cancelling Saturday night’s game, the Roadrunners also postponed their matchups scheduled for this past Tuesday and Wednesday night.

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