The hockey world is reeling from the sudden and tragic death of Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks, who was pronounced dead early this morning at the age of 24. Kivlenieks was an undrafted product from Lativa, and was preparing to become the team’s backup goalie while trade rumors of Jonas Korpisalo and Elvis Merzlikins were floating around the hockey world.
As I’m writing this, it has been reported by Aaron Portzline via the Novi Police that there was
Novi Police tells Aaron Portzline of the Athletic that Mattis Kivlenieks was part of a group fleeing a hot tub after a fireworks malfunction. He slipped and hit his head off of the concrete.
Novi, Mich, says an autopsy will be performed later today on Kivlenieks, but they’re treating the death as accidental.
Lt Jason Meier would not comment if other Blue Jackets players were present with Kivlenieks.
This is a tragedy and great insight from Porty to be on the case as quickly as I am sharing this for everyone. The vibe in the city was it was he to be the next backup to help further the development of prospect Danil Tasarov with the Monsters for maybe another year before competing for the Jackets’ starter position.
Thoughts and prayers are with the organization and his family.
This is now be the saddest moment in Columbus Blue Jackets history
Where do we go from here?
Hug a loved one maybe a little harder today.
UPDATE — 11:00AM
Outpouring and messages coming from the organization and former Columbus captain Nick Foligno, who is set to be a UFA on July 28.
Heaven gained a darn good goalie and better person... just way too soon
More to come...