It was a routine practice, but it was anything but normal for the Tucson Roadrunners this morning at the Tucson Convention Center.
The Roadrunners skated despite postponing their games tonight, and tomorrow night, against San Diego. Captain Craig Cunningham remains in stable, but critical condition, in a Tucson hospital before Saturday night's home game.
Cunningham collapsed on the ice prior to the Roadrunners Saturday night home game against Manitoba, which was immediately postponed.
"It was pretty emotional how it happened," said head coach Mark Lamb. "It happened in front of everyone's eyes. Everybody has seen it. It has only been a couple of days. This is life situation."
Most of the players have been in and out of the hospital visiting their friend, and teammate, a 26 year old right wing from Trail, British Columbia.
"I mean he's an awesome guy," said right wing Eric Selleck. "I've played two seasons with him, now. He's one of the best friends I've played with. He's the glue, so we're praying for him."
"I've only known him four months but I've spent every day with him," said a choked up Chris Mueller, one of the Roadrunners alternate captains. "Played with him and roomed with him on the road. I could just tell right away he is special and that he was going to be a lifelong friend. He's deserving all the attention he's getting on social media. He's a beautiful person. He really is."
Cunningham's mother and other family members are with him at the hospital.
