Matiss Kivlenieks, the Latvian goalie who led his team to an historic 2-0 win over Canada on the first day of the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Riga, has passed away suddenly in Novi, Michigan. He was only 24 years old.
Following an autopsy, it was confirmed that Kivlenieks died of chest trauma from an errant fireworks mortar blast in what authorities described as a tragic accident during Fourth of July celebrations.
Kivlenieks, who played for the NHL's Columbus Blue jackets, had been living in the U.S. this summer in preparation for the upcoming NHL season.
"We are shocked and saddened by the loss of Matiss Kivlenieks, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his mother, Astrida, his family and friends during this devastating time," said Blue Jackets president John Davidson. "’Kivi’ was an outstanding young man who greeted every day and everyone with a smile and the impact he had during his four years with our organization will not be forgotten."
Kivlenieks stopped all 38 shots Canada sent his way in the game of 21 May, 2021. It was Latvia’s first ever win over Canada in IIHF history.
In all, he played four games at the World Championship with an impressive 2.18 goals-against average. It was his first time representing his country at the top level, although he was the third goalie at both the 2013 WM18 and the 2018 World Championship. He also played at the U20 in Division I-A in 2015 and 2016.
Following an autopsy, it was confirmed that Kivlenieks died of chest trauma from an errant fireworks mortar blast in what authorities described as a tragic accident during Fourth of July celebrations.
Kivlenieks, who played for the NHL's Columbus Blue jackets, had been living in the U.S. this summer in preparation for the upcoming NHL season.
"We are shocked and saddened by the loss of Matiss Kivlenieks, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his mother, Astrida, his family and friends during this devastating time," said Blue Jackets president John Davidson. "’Kivi’ was an outstanding young man who greeted every day and everyone with a smile and the impact he had during his four years with our organization will not be forgotten."
Kivlenieks stopped all 38 shots Canada sent his way in the game of 21 May, 2021. It was Latvia’s first ever win over Canada in IIHF history.
In all, he played four games at the World Championship with an impressive 2.18 goals-against average. It was his first time representing his country at the top level, although he was the third goalie at both the 2013 WM18 and the 2018 World Championship. He also played at the U20 in Division I-A in 2015 and 2016.
“One thing I loved and appreciated about him was he had a great smile and always was in a good mood," former Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno said in a text message. "I know it's cliché, but that's exactly the kind of guy he was. Just enjoying his life as a 24-year-old living out his dream and you could tell he didn't take one day for granted, which makes this tragedy even more hard to bear. Praying for his family and all of us who knew him. Hard day for a lot of people in that organization.”
Kivlenieks was a feel-good story. He wanted to play in the NHL and moved to the U.S. as a young teen to help realize those dreams. He was never drafted, though, but he didn’t give up. The Blue Jackets signed him to a contract as he worked his way up through a variety of pro leagues, from the NAHL to USHL, ECHL, and AHL.
Finally, on January 19, 2020, Kivlenieks made his NHL debut, stopping 31 of 32 shots in a 2-1 road win against the New York Rangers. In all, he played in six games that year and two more this past season.
Team GM Jarmo Kekalainen tweeted: “RIP Matiss, you will be dearly missed.”
“On behalf of the NHL family, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and teammates in both the Blue Jackets organization and his native country of Latvia," added NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. "His love for life and passion for the game will be deeply missed by all those who have been fortunate to have him as a teammate and a friend."
Kivlenieks was a feel-good story. He wanted to play in the NHL and moved to the U.S. as a young teen to help realize those dreams. He was never drafted, though, but he didn’t give up. The Blue Jackets signed him to a contract as he worked his way up through a variety of pro leagues, from the NAHL to USHL, ECHL, and AHL.
Finally, on January 19, 2020, Kivlenieks made his NHL debut, stopping 31 of 32 shots in a 2-1 road win against the New York Rangers. In all, he played in six games that year and two more this past season.
Team GM Jarmo Kekalainen tweeted: “RIP Matiss, you will be dearly missed.”
“On behalf of the NHL family, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and teammates in both the Blue Jackets organization and his native country of Latvia," added NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. "His love for life and passion for the game will be deeply missed by all those who have been fortunate to have him as a teammate and a friend."