The B.C. relatives of American Hockey League player Craig Cunningham, who collapsed on the ice before a game Saturday night, are asking the public to keep Cunningham in their thoughts.
“All we need right now are prayers and wishes of good luck,” said Cunningham’s aunt Natalie Handley.
The 26-year-old player was sent to hospital before the game between the Tucson Roadrunnners and Manitoba Moose was able to start.
The Arizona Coyotes issued a statement saying Cunningham suffered a medical emergency and is in hospital undergoing treatment.
“We’re expecting a call soon to update his condition. We’re on the edge of our seat. We’ve had so much tragedy in our family, we’re numb,” Handley said.
Cunningham is originally from Trail, and joined the Vancouver Giants in 2007. He won a Memorial Cup in his first year with the team.
“Just having him around makes everybody better. He’s a really special guy, and we’re pulling for him like everybody else is,” said Ron Toigo, the owner of the Vancouver Giants.
Around the NHL, players are tweeting their support.
Milan Lucic, Cunningham’s former teammate with the Boston Bruins, wrote: “Praying for one of my best friends Craig Cunningham. Keep fighting Craig.”
Cunningham currently plays with the Tucson Roadrunners, and was set to join the Arizona Coyotes in upcoming games. The team has not disclosed the cause of Cunningham’s collapse, but his family says he is in intensive care.
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