Blue Jackets goalkeeper Matiss Kivlenieks died unexpectedly after “fireworks breakdown”

Blue Jackets goalkeeper Mattis Kivlenix died on Sunday from an apparent head injury when he fell. He is 24 years old.

Novi, Michigan police confirmed Associated Press Due to a “firework malfunction”, Kivlenieks slipped and fell while escaping from the hot tub. His head hit the concrete.

In a statement, Blue Jackets called this a “tragic accident” and added that medical staff rushed to the scene to treat Kivlenieks, but he died “soon after”.

“We are shocked and sad about the loss of Matiss Kivlenieks. During this devastating period, we extend our deepest sympathy to his mother Astria, his family and friends,” said John Davidson, President of Blue Jackets Hockey Operations. “Kivi is an outstanding young man. He greets everyone with a smile every day. The influence he has made during the four years of our organization will not be forgotten.”

The Riga native of Latvia participated in the IndyCar road race in central Ohio last week in Ohio and took part in off-road cycling with IndyCar driver Alexander Rossi. He has just returned from Latvia and intends to train in Columbus during the summer vacation. It is not clear why Kivlenix was in Michigan at the time of his death.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bateman said in a statement: “The National Hockey League is saddened by the sudden and tragic death of goalkeeper Matisse Kivlenix.” “On behalf of the NHL family, we extend to his family, friends and The teammates expressed their deepest sympathy, “Whether it is in the Blue Jackets organization or his native Latvia. All those lucky enough to be teammates and friends with him will deeply miss his love of life and passion for the game. “

Kivlenix was called “Kivi” by his teammates and was signed by the Blue Jackets as a free agent in May 2017. He made his NHL debut on January 19, 2020, and stopped 31 of 32 shots in the 2-1 defeat of the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. In the eight NHL games of his career, he created a 2-2-2 record with an average of 3.09 goals and a save rate of 0.899. He started twice this season, both against the Red Wings, with a save rate of 0.901 1-1-0.Together with Cleveland Monsters, an affiliate of Blue Jackets AHL, he scored 33-35-9 in 85 professional games, 3.31 GAA, 0.896 SV% and 3 outs.

“I received a text message from Nick Foligno this morning,” David Savard, who had been a member of the Blue Jackets before the trade deadline, said in an interview with an interpreter. “We played together for a long time. This is a very sad news. The man has a close relationship with the team and he travels with the team all year (as a member of the taxi team). Woke up this morning Time is cruel. “That’s a very talented, good boy who will become a member of the team next year or in the future. This is very sad. “

In May, Kivlenieks played for Latvia at the 2021 IIHF World Championship, where he achieved a four-game stoppage with 2.18 GAA, 0.922 SV% and a score of 1-2. That victory defeated eventual champion Canada 2-0. He stopped all 38 shots he saw.

Teammates and the hockey community responded to the tragic news on Twitter: