Tucson Roadrunners vs. Stockton Heat hockey

Right wing Craig Cunningham leans over as far as he can without stepping off the protective mat at Tucson Arena to high-five 4-year-old fan Maxton Harrison before the first home game in Tucson Roadrunners history. Related story, Sports B1.

Tucson Roadrunners captain Craig Cunningham is "critically ill" but stable, two days after collapsing before a scheduled game at Tucson Arena. 

Roadrunners general manager Doug Soetaert said Monday that the team is still not sure what caused Cunningham to collapse and convulse on the ice minutes before Saturday's 7:05 p.m. puck-drop against the Manitoba Moose. Doctors "are trying to figure that out," he said. The GM described Cunningham as "critically ill." 

"As we move forward, he's in great, great hands," Soetaert said, but acknowledged that much is still unknown.  

"It's a changing target every day," he said. 

Arizona Coyotes coach Dave Tippett addressed Cunningham's situation during a media briefing in Glendale. He said that Cunningham was in critical condition but stable. 

Tippett declined further comment, he said, out of respect for Cunningham's family.

Monday marked the first details about Cunningham's condition. The Coyotes confirmed late Saturday that he had suffered a serious medical event, but did not say what it was. The team was expected to update Cunningham's status sometime Sunday, but did not. 

The 26-year-old Cunningham, a center, has been one of the Roadrunners' best players. He scored the first two goals in franchise history last month, and had a goal in Friday night's win over the Moose. His 13 points are tops on the team. 

 

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