Former NHL player Rudy Poeschek suffered numerous concussions during his career, but the only treatment he received each time was an ice pack, according to court documents newly-released by TSN reporter Rick Westhead.

The documents are a part of the NHL’s ongoing concussion lawsuit. They mention 4 specific concussions, some of which caused blackouts, during Poeschek’s 19-year hockey career (12 in the NHL), which ended in 2001. None of them were treated anywhere close to properly, and now he suffers a myriad of symptoms that can be attributed to his head injuries: insomnia, memory problems, and mood swings, among others.

His life now is riddled with outbursts of anger and trouble with the law, and many, including him, wonder if he might be suffering from CTE. He is considering donating his brain to research.

The athletic world has come a long way in how it deals with head injuries. No longer would a player be handed an ice pack after he blacks out during play, and athlete head safety is more of a priority than it has ever been before. Hopefully, few current players will have to face in the future the difficulties that are plaguing Poeschek’s generation of athletes in the present.

*Scientists have no conclusive evidence as to whether or how the reduction of g-forces during impacts reduces the number or degree of concussions and head injuries. GelDefender products provide supplemental padding as well as cooling and comfort benefits when used with helmets and caps. Participants in activities in which head impacts can occur should always use tested and approved helmets for protection. However, no helmet or supplemental padding can protect the user from all serious head or neck injuries that can result from impacts.