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Coyotes hire Cunningham as scout

Roadrunners honor Craig Cunningham with pre-game ceremony
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The Arizona Coyotes are naming former Roadrunners captain Craig Cunningham a pro scout, keeping the popular player in the organization after his playing career unexpectedly ended last year.

The 26-year-old Cunningham suffered cardiac arrest on the ice before a game at the Tucson Convention Center, last November 19th, caused by ventricular fibrillation. Doctors rushed to save his life in what began a long recovery process. Procedures affected the circulation in his leg, and the lower part of his left leg had to be amputated in late December following an infection.

"I’m very excited to begin the next chapter of my life with the Coyotes, said Cunningham in a statement. "I’m very grateful to John Chayka, Dave Tippett, the Coyotes and Roadrunners organizations, and all of the great fans across Arizona for the incredible support I’ve received over the past year. I’m looking forward to helping the Coyotes and I can’t wait to get started in my new role."

Cunningham stayed close to the team during the recovery process, and he was seen at Roadrunners games. His medical situation led to an outpouring of support from the hockey community. The British Columbia native had four goals and nine assists for the Roadrunners in the games leading to his injury. He played in 63 career NHL games.

"We’re thrilled to have Craig join our hockey operations department as a pro scout," said Coyotes GM John Chayka in a statement. "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."
 
 
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