2025 NHL Veterans Appreciation Night
A remarkable story from the world of hockey will take center stage during the 2025 NHL Veterans Appreciation Night on November 11, coinciding with Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Day in Canada. The event will feature matchups between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins, as well as the Anaheim Ducks against the Colorado Avalanche.
Craig Fitzpatrick: A Trailblazer in Blind Hockey
Among the notable guests is Craig Fitzpatrick, an accomplished Air Force veteran and the first American to compete in blind hockey.
Fitzpatrick’s connection to hockey began while he was a student at the United States Air Force Academy, where he developed a deep passion for the game. His trajectory took a significant turn after being diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a condition that leads to gradual vision loss. Undeterred by his challenges, Fitzpatrick embraced adaptability and learned to skate and play hockey, ultimately representing the United States in blind hockey events by 2018.
Promoting Blind Hockey
Beyond his playing career, Fitzpatrick has dedicated himself to promoting the sport. He collaborated with NHL trainers to establish the Try Blind Hockey initiative, which partners with professional teams to introduce blind hockey to a wider audience. His outreach efforts have notably benefited the Washington, DC area and Colorado, where he recently organized a skate event for students at the Colorado School for the Deaf & Blind.
Literary Contributions
Fitzpatrick’s influence extends into literature as he prepares for the release of his book, “Finding the Puck: Leadership Lessons from My Journey Through Blind Hockey”, which will hit the shelves on January 27, 2026. The book features a foreword by Kim Davis, the NHL’s Executive Vice President of social impact and growth initiatives. Importantly, Fitzpatrick has pledged the copyright of this work to the International Blind Hockey Foundation, with all profits aimed at advancing blind hockey’s inclusion in the Paralympic Games.
