Ex-NHLer Craig Cunningham makes amazing progress after leg amputation
One of the most emotional stories of this hockey season was that of Craig Cunningham, who collapsed on the ice before an AHL game late last year.
Cunningham, who spent time in the NHL with the Bruins and Coyotes, went into cardiac arrest just prior to a Tucson Roadrunners game in November. His hearted stopped beating for two days before doctors were able to save his life through a complicated procedure that involved a ventricular assist device and an oxygenator that served as an artificial lung.
That procedure affected his circulation, resulting in Cunningham losing part of his left leg, ending his playing career.
Despite the amputation, many people close to Cunningham have relayed that the 26-year-old has remained in good spirits and is just thankful to be alive. On Wednesday, it was also revealed that he's making outstanding progress in his rehabilitation.
TSN reporter Ray Ferraro shared this video of Cunningham walking on his prosthetic leg with the help of a walker.
https://twitter.com/rayferrarotsn/status/839704333172293632
It obviously can't be easy for a pro athlete to have their lifetime passion and livelihood taken from them in such swift fashion, especially the way it was taken from Cunningham. But it's pretty inspiring to and uplifting to see how he seems to be making the most of the tough hand that was dealt to him.
Here's hoping Cunningham will make his way back to full health and find a way back into the hockey world.
