Craig Cunningham
A hockey player whose on-ice promise was tragically cut short, leading him to a second act as a coach and a symbol of survival.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: September 13·Millennials
Biography
Craig Cunningham's professional hockey journey was brief but pointed toward a solid career as a dependable forward. Drafted by the Boston Bruins, the hard-working centre made his NHL debut with them in 2013 before moving to the Arizona Coyotes organization. Known for his leadership, he captained the Coyotes' AHL affiliate in Tucson. His life changed irrevocably in November 2016 when he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on the ice just before a game. The quick actions of medical staff saved his life, but the incident led to the amputation of part of his leg. This catastrophic event ended his playing career but began a new one; after a remarkable recovery, he transitioned into a scouting role with the Coyotes, embodying perseverance for the hockey world.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Craig was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Craig Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Craig's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played 63 games in the NHL for the Boston Bruins and Arizona Coyotes.
- Was selected 97th overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
- Served as captain of the Tucson Roadrunners, the Arizona Coyotes' AHL affiliate, prior to his medical emergency.
Did You Know?
His cardiac arrest occurred during pre-game warmups when he was captain of the Tucson Roadrunners.
His story led to the 'Cunny Cup,' a charity hockey game in Tucson that raises funds for heart health initiatives.
He had his left leg amputated below the knee due to complications from the cardiac arrest.
“You play for the logo on the front, and they remember the name on the back.”
