Skip to content

Craig Cunningham 'so happy to be alive' after career-ending heart issue

Rocky W. Widner/NHL / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The effects of Craig Cunningham's on-ice collapse are coming into focus.

On Nov. 19, the Tucson Roadrunners captain dropped to the ice prior to a game against the Manitoba Moose due to an acute cardiac arrest ventricular fibrillation, which almost cost him his life. The event ended Cunningham's playing days as his left foot and leg were severely damaged, raising questions about future functionality, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie.

The good news, of course, is Cunningham is expected to be discharged from hospital before the holidays, and with much to be thankful for.

"I do feel lucky to be alive," Cunningham told McKenzie. "It's taken me awhile to realize what I've been through. They explained to me what happened; the doctors showed me video of when I went down on the ice. ... Now I realize why I'm in such rough shape."

Still, the reality of his playing days being behind him is difficult to process.

"I do feel lucky. I know that. But at night, I think about it, and it bugs me I can't play again. Hockey is the only thing I've ever known. Since I was four years old, the only thing I've ever wanted to be was a hockey player. Now I have to move on, focus on something else.

"To be honest, though," he reiterated, "I'm just so happy to be alive."

On top of that, Cunningham plans on having a future in hockey in some capacity.

"One hundred per cent, I love this game," he said. "It's all I've ever known. I'll find a different way to stay involved.

"The biggest thing now is for me to just focus on getting my health back," he added. "I'm still pretty weak. I've had a lot of surgeries. I have to have another one."

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2010 NHL Draft by Boston, Cunningham appeared in 63 game with the Bruins and Arizona Coyotes, recording three goals and five assists.

Cunningham is set to meet with the media Wednesday, along with his mother and the doctors who saved his life.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox