Devastating news on this holiday weekend, as the Columbus Blue Jackets have confirmed reports that goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks has passed away:
#CBJ statement on Kivlenieks’ passing pic.twitter.com/iig3UU7Iwk
— Alison (@AlisonL) July 5, 2021
Kivlenieks got to compete in the most recent World Championships as his home country of Latvia hosted the event. He shut out the eventual champion Canada.
Matīss Kivlenieks named Player of the Game for Team Latvia 🇱🇻. He stops all 38 shots he faced for the shutout in Latvia’s first ever win against Canada 🇨🇦 at the WHC. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/qCYSW3wJnM
— SpecmenceCBJ (@SpecmenceCBJ) May 23, 2021
Just last week he got to enjoy a racing experience at Mid-Ohio raceway with countryman and teammate Elvis Merzlikins:
Matiss is ready for his spin. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/O4B7OZPygM
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) June 29, 2021
What the off-road experience is like for the #CBJ goalies pic.twitter.com/7eewGlPkhL
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) June 29, 2021
The Blue Jackets organization has faced many challenges and setbacks over the last couple of years, but they pale in comparison to this. Please pray for Matiss and for his family and teammates as they cope with this unfathomable loss.
RIP