Fighter: Defying The NHL Odds

by Aaron Volpatti

"Aaron was a great teammate and his road to the NHL is like no other." - Alex Ovechkin One of the most inspirational comeback stories in professional sports. Aaron Volpatti was never supposed to play in the NHL. As an average, undersized youth hockey player, Aaron had to fight his way, literally, into competitive hockey. But in the early hours of April 20, 2005, he found himself in a very different fight-a fight for his life after a devastating burn injury. Defying The NHL Odds is a riveting account of Aaron's journey from the Vancouver General Hospital Burn Unit to the NHL, and his life after a career ending neck injury. It is a story filled with extreme adversity, personal triumph, grief, terror, and happiness. Discover the true power of the human mind and what is possible through Aaron's unique Visualization practice. A revelatory practice that can help us reframe adversity, instill a deep sense of trust in our journeys, and demystify the impossible.

Genres: Sports

326 pages, Paperback

Published September 27, 2022

Reviews

[Sally Hoerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many athletes say they would do anything to achieve their dreams. Aaron demonstrates what that level of dedication and passion actually looks like. It also highlights that it was not his parents' or coaches' decision to push him to this goal - a trend that tends to plague youth hockey these days. Rather, Aaron uses intrinsic motivation to physically see and feel his goals, on his terms, which eventually leads him to the exact success he pictures.

I first heard about Aaron's story on the Glass and Out Podcast. What I didn't know was that the interview only covered about 10% of the adversary Aaron experienced during and after his professional hockey career. I was actually surprised that I was only about half-way through the book when Aaron reaches the NHL. This is another important aspect of the book that athletes should take note of: there is so much life AFTER hockey. The ability to push through dark times in sport will carry over to the ebb and flow of our lifetime.

However, the most valuable lesson I took away from Aaron's story is the common, yet powerful, perspective of control. We can only control three things in regard to time: our reflection, our action and our reaction. We can reflect on the past, take action right now and react to what happens next. The ability to reflect and act will prepare us to have a more predictable reaction in the future. We can visualize what we want the future to look like, but that practice is what is telling us how to act when that future arrives.

[Sheila Wheelhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding book from a young man who has suffered many setbacks, more than his fair share of pain and anxiety. He truly is a fighter not only physically but has made his goals attainable by positive thinking. This is one of those books that should be shared around the hockey community and players with the public sharing into his insight. I lived in Vernon for years and had season tickets to the Vernon Vipers for 27 years. I remember the shock when this incident occurred. I am so pleased to see his recovery and a positive future! Well done, Aaron!

[Bobby Robins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed hearing Aaron's story of perseverance and grit as he fought his way up the ranks to the NHL. But it's more than a hockey story...a genuine glimpse into the author's life and heart. I'm excited to dig more into Aaron's methods of visualization and manifestation and implement them into my own life and pursuit of big goals. FIGHTER is a winner and definitely recommend to any hockey fans or anyone interested in personal development and achieving goals.

[Charles Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Turned into a self-help book in the end.

[Geoffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book, both the story and the visualization practice.

[Ronda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well told story filled with pain and suffering, but also that positivity that can come out of adversity.

[Howie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defying the NHL odds. Wow, what a journey Aaron has been on. The courage & strength to go thru this journey and share it in a way that has you riveted. Excellent, descriptive, Champion read. Well done. Thank you for sharing.