Canucks Q&A: Aaron Volpatti chronicles journey from burn unit to NHL

Aaron Volpatti is the latest subject of Canucks Q&A series. He is promoting his autobiography, "Fighter: Defying The NHL Odds". Vol patti was injured in a camping accident in 2005. The book is dedicated to the Vancouver General Hospital Burn Unit. Vol played 54 games in Vancouver over three seasons. He was claimed off waivers by the Washington Capitals. His last season ended with a shoulder injury. he now teaches programs on visualization. It was a side project for him. "It's being comfortable with opening up and I can help people," he says.

Aaron Volpatti was on fire. He was in an extreme panic and fight-or-flight mode. Volppatti tried to put out the fire and didn't feel any pain.

Aaron Volpatti was taken to VGH by ambulance without cell service. He describes the ride to the hospital as one of the most terrifying of his life.

Aaron Volpatti spent six weeks in the burn unit. He was supposed to stay longer, but he was going to leave if they didn't let him.

After the hospital, it was another six weeks where he got around on his arms because he couldn't stand up. It was also another eight weeks of a wheelchair and a hobble for five minutes.

Aaron Volpatti's coach in Vernon got a call from Brown and that's when everything changed.

Aaron Volpatti was a free agent at 24. He played for Brown in the NCAA. Vol patti is now a member of the Vancouver Canucks. He hopes to play in The Show one day.

Aaron Volpatti had 22 NHL fights. He had a boxing background as a kid.

A was playing with Lapierre and Weise. He had a lot of fun. They weren't contributing offensively, but the game was different then. Now, the fourth line needs to contribute. Back then, as long as you're creating energy and it was a bonus if you put one in, it wasn't a problem.

A big part of his book was that nobody really knew about the journey. Ovechkin's support for him meant a lot. He's chasing history.