In a severe injury, the larynx could be knocked free from its anchors in the throat, which is a serious situation needing prompt surgery to correct. While the larynx heals, doctors have to continue to monitor the patient, as scar tissue can cause an obstruction. If the vocal cords are paralyzed, that can also cause breathing problems. Doctors first make sure the player can breathe. In most cases, the larynx can heal on its own, but progress is monitored to be sure complications don't develop that can threaten breathing.
Goalies wear throat protection, and so do baseball catchers.
But such equipment hasn't become standard for the hockey players who get to leave the net. Players also tend to put themselves into harm's way, diving into the path of a shot to prevent it from reaching the net and pouncing on rebounds, which make it possible for this injury to happen. Zhamnov is now on his team's injured reserve list, and it is not known how long he will be inactive. He is scheduled for another medical exam the week of Jan. 29. When the vocal cords are involved, it is not certain how a player's voice will sound after recovery.