Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of the WHL
- Name: Craig Cunningham
- Position: LW
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 5-10
- Weight: 180 lbs
- Birthdate: 1990-09-03
- Eligible for Draft: 2010
- Drafted: 2010
- Hometown: Trail, British Columbia
- Acquired: 4th round (97th overall), 2010
- Playing In: CHL
Craig Cunningham
Prospect Grade: 6.5 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2006-07: Cunningham, a seventh round pick of the Vancouver Giants at the 2005 WHL Bantam Draft, played in 48 games for the Giants in his WHL rookie season. He picked up 5 assists and 38 penalty minutes on the season. In 15 playoff games, he registered 1 assist.
2007-08: In 67 games for the Giants, Cunningham scored 11 goals and added 14 assists for 25 points. He added 72 penalty minutes to his offensive totals. In 10 playoff games for the Giants, he scored 1 goal and added 2 assists for 3 points.
2008-09: Cunningham played in 72 games for the Giants, scoring 28 goals and chipoing 22 assists for 50 points. He finished with a +28 rating and 62 penalty minutes. In 17 playoff games, Cunningham scored 5 goals and added 9 assists for 14 points.
2009-10: In 72 games for the Giants, Cunningham scored 37 goals and added 60 assists for 97 points, which placed him sixth overall in WHL scoring. In 16 playoff games, Cunningham scored 12 goals and added 12 assists for 24 points. Cunningham was named the Western Conference finalist for the WHL Player of the Year award. He went undrafted in 2008 and 2009.
2010-11: Cunningham, who played a franchise record 295 games with Vancouver and was part of the Giants' Memorial champions in 2006-07, started the season with the Giants before a mid-season trade to the Portland Winterhawks. The deal worked for both teams as the Giants were able to add youth and draft picks while Portland finished first in the WHL's United States division and advanced to the WHL playoff finals. In 71 regular season games between the two teams, he scored 27 goals with 60 assists and was +19 with 56 PMs. In the WHL playoffs for Portland he had 7 goals with 14 assists and was +9 with 12 PMs in 21 games.
Talent Analysis
ISS in April 2010 "Cunningham has slid under the radar of ISS Western scouts most of the season -- that is until now. He enjoyed a terrific season, pulling up great offensive numbers at a more than point-per-game pace. With his quick shot and smart play with the puck he has continued to show strong finish and consistency around the net, capitalizing on his chances. His size isn’t a concern and his heart/passion is a bonus."
Future
That 2010 ISS scouting report still holds true a year later. Cunningham plays with a ton of heart and determination. He’s expected to play a top-six role for Providence this fall, but projects as more of a third liner in the NHL.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: October, 11th 2011
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