Head injuries in sports have always been a problem, but they've been in the spotlight lately due to a number of star athletes missing significant time on the ice because of concussions.

But the injuries don't just affect NHL players. Young Saskatchewan athletes deal with the reality of concussions every time they lace up their skates.

Bryden Serafini, a forward from the Prince Albert Ice Hawks says dealing with a concussion is not easy for an active player. "You don't know what to do. You can be going for two weeks of no symptoms, than you ride a bike and its boom, you're back to square one. It's a tough thing to deal with; you don't know what to do. It's not like a broken arm you can put in a sling, it's your head."

Serafini says he's now suffered from two concussions in his career. But like many, it hasn't stopped him from playing.

Allan Pasloski, the Ice Hawks general manager, says the league is taking action to prevent the injuries. "We don't get a lot of head shots anymore, because it simply isn't tolerated, you get 3 major head shots in the year, you're done for the season. We've really cracked down on headshots and checking from behind."

Signs of a concussion can include dizziness, headaches, loss of vision, and an uneasy feeling. With many athletes refusing to admit when they're hurt, it may fall on others to look out for their well-being, and to make sure they don't return to action too soon.

Parkland Ambulance EMT Lyle Karasiuk says it's important to recover fully from a concussion before getting back on the ice. "Coaches, parents, teachers alike need to be reminded. Don't send them back to the sport, don't say ‘sit out this period' or ‘sit out this game', they need rest, need to see a doctor, and return them to the sport properly."

Pasloski thinks a big reason for many concussions is a lack of respect in sports. Many players are looking for the highlight reel hit, which has led to young hockey superstar Sidney Crosby being put on the shelf indefinitely with concussion symptoms.

"You don't want to see guys like Crosby, one of the best players ever to play the game, being gone for this long. It hurts everybody. You've got to give these guys a bit of respect and let them play, because it makes the game more enjoyable," says Pasloski.

Medical professionals say the best way to prevent a concussion is to wear the proper protective gear. And that doesn't just mean wearing a helmet; it means finding one that fits properly to protect the brain from injury.