Mid-Atlantic Regional Group member Craig Fitzpatrick has published Finding the Puck: Leadership Lessons from My Journey Through Blind Hockey. The hard-cover title of this part inspirational memoir, part leadership parable, will be released on February 3. A Kindle edition will also be available. Both can now be purchased by pre-order.
The book traces Craig’s experience of losing his eyesight but then finding himself once again at age 37 when he improbably laced up a pair of skates. The journey he relates, the book’s promotion says, is one of openness, humility, ambition, and advocacy that has served to make him victorious on the ice as well as in the business world. The personal meaning behind Craig’s membership in the Blinded Veterans Association is also included in the book.
Craig played forward for the U.S. Blind Hockey Team, competing across North America. He has helped found numerous blind hockey teams and has taught more than 300 blind adults and youth how to play the game. He is a longtime Colorado Avalanche fan and trained in Colorado during his competitive hockey career. He and his book were featured on the radio post-game show of the Washington Capitals following their 3-2 overtime win over the Montreal Canadiens just last week. He was also part of the 2025 NHL Veterans Appreciation Night doubleheader broadcast on TNT on November 11, 2025.
Craig graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and served five years in the Air Force before being diagnosed with Stargardt disease, leading to his near-complete blindness and 100 percent service-related disability. He is currently the chief innovation officer at Akira Technologies, an AI and cybersecurity technology company in the Nation’s Capital.
Craig earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (Summa Cum Laude) from Saint Louis University. His charitable work focuses on serving as a Senior Technology Fellow at the Center for Advanced Defense Studies, where he guides C4ADS’ technology commercialization efforts. Learn more about Craig Fitzpatrick and “Finding the Puck,” including how to order the book via Amazon.
