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Matiss Kivlenieks, the Blue Jackets goalie, died heroically
On the Fourth of July, the hockey world was shocked to learn that Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks had died after being struck by an errant fireworks burst.
The 24-year-old goaltender was in his second season with the Jackets and was attending a holiday party at goaltending coach Manny Legace’s house.
Kivlenieks’ Columbus teammate and fellow goalie Elvis Merzlikins remarked at his funeral on Thursday that his friend “died a hero,” saving Merzlikins and his pregnant wife that night.
Matiss Kivlenieks, who was he?
Kivlenieks was called up to the Blue Jackets as a backup goalie many times during the COVID-19-interrupted 2019-2020 NHL season.
In January 2020, he made his NHL debut against the New York Rangers.
Kivlenieks stopped 31 of the 32 shots he faced in that game, which the Jackets won 2-1.
He started four of his six games that season and finished with a 2.95 goals-against average.
He started the final two games of the season the following year.
He went 1-1 in both games against the Detroit Red Wings.
He stopped 33 of 37 shots in a 5-4 overtime triumph.
Kivlenieks, who was born in Latvia, began playing hockey at a young age.
At the age of five, he was determined to become a goalkeeper.
“I think it was at that point, everybody was still skating, trying to learn how to skate, and there are no goalies out there,” he stated on the Pipeline Podcast, a weekly interview series with top Jackets prospects.
“On the way to practice one day, the coach called and asked if I wanted to try out for goalie.”
I thought at the time. I tried, and I’ve been a goalie ever since.”
On July 4, Matiss Kivlenieks ‘died a hero.’
Kivlenieks attended a Fourth of July backyard party at Legace’s Michigan house on July 4.
The party also doubled as a wedding reception for Legace’s daughter, Sabrina, according to ESPN.
Kivlenieks died from chest trauma and extensive heart and lung damage after being struck by a firecracker.
Merzlikins revealed at Thursday’s service that if it hadn’t been for Kivlenieks, he and his family might not have survived.
“He not only saved many lives, but when it happened, I was standing 20, 30 feet back of him, clutching my wife,” Merzlikins explained.
“He rescued my son, rescued my wife, and rescued me.”
Merzlikins, whose son’s middle name will be Matiss, said Kivlenieks “died a hero,” and he wasn’t just saying that.
“That’s not all I said,” he clarified. That’s exactly what the doctor stated.
“I just wanted to tell you about the previous day,” Merzlikins added.
“There were perhaps 60, 70, or 80 people.”
I never went looking for him. I was chatting to a lot of folks.
He always came to me and looked for me. We finished our last beer, shot, and cigar.
He was usually happy. I believe he made me a better man.”
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Manny Legace described Kivlenieks as a son to him
When speaking about the young goalkeeper, Legace, like many others, fought back tears.
Kivlenieks, he added, was like family to him throughout the summer when he moved in with him.
Kivlenieks “become a member of my family.”
He became a brother to my daughter and son, as well as a close friend to our nephew.
His second house was in Michigan.
Many of you are unaware, but since Kivi joined our group, he has come up to live with my wife and me every summer.
He became our son. He was among us during the pandemic.”
Legacy did get a giggle from the audience when he declared Kivlenieks proved he could touch anyone.
He stated this because former Jackets head coach John Tortorella was present at the service.
“Look at how many people’s lives you’ve impacted, Matiss.
“Look at how many people’s lives you’ve affected,” Legace stated.
“Torts swooped in, and he despises goalies.”
According to ESPN, the police department believes the death was accidental and has not sought criminal charges.
