Les Cunning

Len Cunning (November 1, 1950 – July 3, 2020) was an ice hockey player who played for the Johnstown Jets of the Eastern Hockey League.

Len was born in Edmonton, Alberta on November 1, 1950. He played junior hockey as a defenseman in the AJHL for the Red Deer Rustlers. His professional hockey career began in the EHL for the Johnstown Jets from 1970-72. He signed a contract with the Montreal Canadiens and was reassigned to the AHL, Nova Scotia Voyageurs from 1972-74. He was known as a hard-hitting, well-rounded defenseman and was never shy to drop the gloves. His career ended after an on-ice brawl in Rochester, NY. In spite of a long recovery and lingering effects from his injuries, Len defied all odds and earned an Honours degree in Physical Education and a second degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Western Ontario, where he played varsity hockey. He married the love of his life, Dee, in 1973. His focus shifted from professional hockey to a career in physiotherapy and raising a family.