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I played in the NHL for 15 years and in that time sustained anywhere between 11 and 15 concussions. 
Several were minor but some were major. There are so many different concussion symptoms and I've had most of them. The nausea, blurred vision, seeing “dots”, headaches, sensitivity to light, tiredness, moodiness, irritability, and even temporary blindness. Throughout my playing career I never gave these symptoms a second thought because I was always taught at an early age to be a warrior – to never give in to injury – and I was told “you are tougher than that”. Even though I suffered several concussions, the last two were the worst. I played through blindness in my left eye and vomiting ... just so they wouldn't take me out.
Matthew Barnaby
NHL Analyst and Former Player
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The multiple concussions I have suffered have affected every aspect of my life, from my schoolwork to my athletics to my personal relationships. My life has been negatively impacted mentally, physically, and emotionally. My once-promising hockey career has ended too soon; my ability to concentrate in school has been compromised significantly; my sleep patterns have been interrupted; my personality has changed. In short, my life has been put on hold … and no one knows how long this will last or whether there will be any permanent damage.
With the help of my doctors from the University at Buffalo Concussion Clinic and Erie County Medical Center, I have made a good deal of progress in the past several months dealing with my symptoms, and I am optimistic that I will return to normal in the very near future. However, I will never be able to play hockey again because of the danger of another concussion, which could be devastating. This is the hardest part for me to accept because hockey has been such an important part of my life since I was 2 years old. That is why I have decided to try to turn this negative into a positive by choosing a career helping people with concussion-related injuries. I’m not sure how I will accomplish this goal – maybe by becoming a coach, trainer, or even a doctor – but I know I want to help any way I can. I hope my experiences and perspective will make me more effective in treating and assisting those suffering from these serious injuries.
Mark Maraschiello
Youth Hockey Player