It's a sad day for the Columbus Blue Jackets and the NHL. According to the Blue Jackets' official Twitter account, goalie Matiss Kivlenieks is dead at the young age of 24.
“It’s with a very heavy heart that we share the news that goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks passed away last night at the age of 24. We are heartbroken. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, Kivi.”
Although the tweet didn't mention exactly the cause of the death, an accompanying link to the team's website reveals that Kivlenieks passed away after sustaining a serious head injury in an accident.
“The Riga, Latvia native suffered an apparent head injury in a fall. Medical personnel were called immediately, but he succumbed a short time later.”
Kivlenieks was inked to a three-year deal by the Blue Jackets in 2017 and played a total of eight games for the NHL club. He last appeared in an NHL game on May 8, 2021 during a 5-4 overtime victory at home against the Detroit Red Wings, turning away a total of 33 out of 27 shots faced to earn a win. Overall, he had a 2-2 record along with a .899 SV% and 3.09 GAA.
Born in Riga, Latvia, Matiss Kivlenieks also represented Latvia in the international stage, including the 2021 IIHF World Championships. In that tournament, he compiled a 1-2 record to go with a 2.18 GAA and .922 SV%.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Matiss Kivlenieks.
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