It's an amazing inspirational story and it continues to evolve.  Craig Cunningham was playing for the American Hockey League Tucson Roadrunners when he went into full cardiac arrest during the national anthem just moments before a game in November, 2016.   

Some firefighters who happened to be on the ice to perform the anthem with bagpipes are credited with saving his life.  His heart stopped beating for 83 minutes, but while continuing to work on him those firefighters were able to get him to a point where he was able to be transported to a hospital.

Complications set in.  The ordeal affected circulation in his left leg, it became infected and doctors were forced to amputate his leg below the knee on Christmas Eve, 2016.


He played 63 games in the National Hockey League with the Boston Bruins and the Arizona Coyotes.  He was just 26 years old when he had his heart attack.

Arizona Coyotes v New York Islanders
Craig Cunningham during his playing days with the Arizona Coyotes (Getty Images)
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Obviously his life has changed dramatically, but he never gave up.  And if there's one message that he has for people it's "don't think you're invincible, like I did."  He says he's just fine and looking forward to a long life.

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