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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Aaron Volpatti

Aaron Volpatti is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and current cognitive performance coach, speaker, and author.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Aaron Volpatti is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and current cognitive performance coach, speaker, and author. He played as a left winger in the NHL for the Vancouver Canucks and Washington Capitals after a collegiate career at Brown University. Born in Revelstoke, British Columbia, he is also known for returning to hockey after a serious burn injury in junior hockey.

Early life and amateur hockey

Volpatti was born in Revelstoke, British Columbia, and played junior hockey with the Vernon Vipers before attending Brown University. His amateur career included four seasons with Brown, where he served as a team captain.

Professional career

He signed with the Vancouver Canucks in 2010 and later played for the Washington Capitals. His NHL career covered parts of five seasons between 2010 and 2015, with additional AHL play.

Injury and comeback story

Volpatti became known for returning to hockey after suffering a severe burn injury while playing junior hockey. The injury became a defining part of his public profile and later speaking work.

Post-hockey work

After retiring, Volpatti worked as a cognitive performance coach and speaker. He has also written about his experiences and personal development methods.

Key facts

  • Played 114 NHL games before retiring due to injury.
  • Signed with the Vancouver Canucks in 2010 after completing his college career at Brown University.
  • Also played for the Washington Capitals and their AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears.
  • Was not drafted into the NHL.
  • Is originally from Revelstoke, British Columbia.
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Canadian context

Volpatti is Canadian-born, from Revelstoke, British Columbia, and played professionally for two Canadian NHL franchises before moving into coaching and speaking work.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Aaron Volpatti?
Aaron Volpatti is a Canadian former NHL left winger from Revelstoke, British Columbia, later known as a coach, speaker, and author.
Which NHL teams did he play for?
He played for the Vancouver Canucks and Washington Capitals.
Was Aaron Volpatti drafted?
No. Available sources describe him as undrafted.
How many NHL games did he play?
Sources report that he played 114 NHL games.
Where did he go to university?
He attended Brown University.
Why is he widely known beyond hockey?
He is widely known for his comeback after a serious burn injury and for his later work in mental performance and speaking.

References

  1. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/stats/_/id/5566/aaron-volpatti
    Supports: Birthdate, birthplace, position, and NHL team history.
  2. Brown University Athletics — https://brownbears.com/news/2010/3/22/3_22_2010_3331
    Supports: Signing with the Vancouver Canucks after Brown University and college performance details.
  3. Brown University Athletics — https://brownbears.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/roster/aaron-volpatti/2734
    Supports: Height, weight, hometown, and background details.
  4. Vancouver Is Awesome — https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/canucks-hockey/aaron-volpatti-burn-unit-vancouver-canucks-book-6007102
    Supports: Overview of his NHL career, injury comeback story, and retirement due to injury.
  5. Vernon Vipers — https://www.vernonvipers.com/aaron-volpattis-hockey-journey
    Supports: NHL games played and retirement due to injury.
  6. Aaron Volpatti — https://www.aaronvolpatti.com/
    Supports: Current work as cognitive performance coach, speaker, and author.