Fischer was selected in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft in the first round, 25th overall, by the Red Wings, and was a part of the team that won the 2002 Stanley Cup.

Fischer's playing career ended after he went into cardiac arrest in a November 2005 game, and narrowly escaped death due to the immediate action of doctors and other arena personnel.

After being unconscious for six minutes, Fischer was resuscitated by CPR and by an automated external defibrillator by Dr. Tony Colucci,[1] and was taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital.

[4] Doctors ordered Fischer to avoid all physical activity for four to six weeks, and no prognosis was made on whether he would be able to continue his ice hockey career.

General manager Ken Holland wanted to keep Fischer in the organization, and offered him a job as director of player development.