Roadrunners Round-up: Closing a Chapter and Staying on Top
Consider signing up for a subscription so we can continue to bring you exclusive first-reports, prospect features and stories from around the American Hockey League (AHL).
Quick. Easy. Support original journalism!
Checking in with the Tucson Roadrunners
Editor's Note: As Inside AHL Hockey's Western Conference correspondent, Taylor will be bringing a much-needed taste of the west to the site & will supplement our coverage of the 'other' conference. In addition to regular updates on the Tucson Roadrunners, Taylor aims to provide prospect features of the many talented young hockey players playing in the American Hockey League out on the west coast.
Cunningham Ready for New Chapter of Life
It’s been almost a year since Craig Cunningham collapsed on the ice at Tucson Convention Center. It’s been the longest year of his life.
“It’s crazy how much can change in a whole year,” said Cunningham at his most recent media availability. “My whole life is so much different than it used to be at this time last year. Last year I was in the locker room getting ready to go out on the ice.”
However, after media events and ceremonies Craig is looking forward to finally closing one chapter of his life and beginning another.
Over the summer Cunningham made the transition from on ice to off-ice hockey operations official when he accepted a scouting job with the Arizona Coyotes. It’s a job that he’s ready to take on.
“It’s been an adjustment for sure,” Cunningham said. “This year at training camp was a tough experience. Obviously I remember walking in to the gym and the guys were all fitness testing. I had to walk out because I wish I was in there with those guys.”
On October 27th the Tucson Roadrunners retired Craig’s number. It is the first jersey to be retired by the organization, as this is only the team’s second season. It was bittersweet for the 27-year-old to have his jersey retired so soon.
However he feels like there will be a more definite start to his new chapter of life.
“I think when I finally get out of the surgical room and get my leg on full time will kind of be it,” Cunningham said when asked what moment will close on chapter and begin another. “I think this closes a chapter. This will be last big event, where the media’s kind of shone on it and stuff like that. I look forward to moving on, but I feel incredibly blessed that I’m able to share the situation and be here today with all my friends and family and all the doctors and nurses and everyone who has continued to support me since the day I went down till today and hopefully into the future.”
Cunningham’s story will always be a remarkable one. He is sure to bring his determination that he displayed on the ice to his new role as a scout as he begins his next chapter.
Roadrunner’s staying on top of the AHL
Even though the Roadrunner’s have four less points than the second place Toronto Marlies they have played 3 less games giving them the highest point percentage and first place in the league.
What’s put them up there?
In the offseason, the Roadrunners acquired a strong veteran presence that has helped to steady the teams offense. Mike Sislo, before being called up by the Arizona Coyotes posted six points in nine games. He was second on the team in goals with four. Coach Van Ryn also noted Michael Latta as a driving veteran force for the team, who is earning himself time on the higher lines.
Don’t let the veteran presence fool you though, there’s a strong youth movement in Tucson.
With Lawson Crouse being sent down the Roadrunner’s top line consists of three first-round draft picks from 2015. Together the three combine for a total of 21 points, seven goals and 14 assists. Most impressive on the team however, have been the duo of rookies Nick Merkley, who leads the team in goals with 6 and has posted 9 points in 9 games, and Dylan Strome who leads the team in points with 10 points in 8 games.
Merkley has two game winning goals and is currently shooting at 31.6%. While that is almost certainly unsustainable, the rookie is poised to have an offensively strong season. This is good coming into his first pro-season after an injury cost him a large portion of his penultimate season in the WHL.
Strome was recently named AHL player of the week and is one of the top AHL rookies in scoring this season. He’s had a strong presence on the ice and has many questioning when he will be called up to the NHL. Do not be concerned if he stays in the AHL for a while. The Coyotes are struggling with their systems and in the AHL he is getting to consistently develop his game.
The Roadrunners look to continue their dominance of the Pacific Division when they take on fourth place in the division the Bakersfield Condors on Friday and Saturday.
