RUSH SEND SUPPORT TO TUCSON CAPTAIN

(RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners, would like to extend its best wishes and prayers to the Roadrunners organization, and the team’s captain, Craig Cunningham.

Cunningham, a 26 year-old forward from Trail, British Columbia, has played either for the Arizona Coyotes or in the Coyotes system for the last three seasons. Before the Roadrunners regularly scheduled game against the Manitoba Moose last Saturday night, Cunningham collapsed on the ice and received immediate medical attention. He was promptly hospitalized and has been in the hospital since the incident.

“Craig remains in stable but critical condition at a local hospital,” said Doug Soetaert, Roadrunners General Manager in an update on Monday. “He is receiving excellent medical care but out of respect to Craig and his family we are refraining from further comment or discussing any details at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Craig and his family.”

In an article on ArizonaSports.com, Coyotes General Manager John Chayka added: “Our staff did a phenomenal job in terms of their response. The care he's receiving now is unbelievable.”

“His family's with him,” Coyotes Head Coach Dave Tippett said in an article on AZCentral.com. “He’s getting unbelievable care down there. The one thing I will say and (Coyotes head athletic trainer Jason Serbus) has talked to the doctors that were right there, the doctors and all the people involved did a fantastic job of a real serious situation. We're all just thinking and praying for him and hoping for the best.”

“From the entire Rush organization and Rush Family, our thoughts and prays go out to Craig and his entire family,” said Rush General Manager Joe Ferras.

Out of respect for Cunningham and his current battle, the Roadrunners announced shortly after that not only has the contest against Manitoba been postponed, but also this week’s games against the San Diego Gulls that were originally scheduled for tonight and tomorrow.

Cunningham’s professional career has spanned 6 seasons and 382 games: 63 in the NHL with the Boston Bruins and Arizona Coyotes, and 319 in the AHL with the Providence Bruins, Springfield Falcons, and Tucson Roadrunners. This season, he registered 4 goals and 9 assists for 13 points in 11 games with Tucson. Prior to playing professionally, Cunningham played with the Vancouver Giants and Portland Winterhawks in the WHL, and was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 2010 NHL Draft (4th Rd-#97).

We ask that all of our loyal members of Rush Nation keep Craig and his family in your thoughts and prayers as he battles in the hospital.

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