20 Year Old Hockey Player Dies
On March 15, 2021, the hockey world was shaken by the passing of Matiss Kivlenieks, a 20-year-old goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Kivlenieks died as a result of a tragic accident, leaving behind a devastated family, team, and fanbase. This article will explore the life and legacy of Matiss Kivlenieks, the circumstances of his death, and the impact he made on the hockey community.
Who was Matiss Kivlenieks?
Matiss Kivlenieks was born on August 26, 1996, in Riga, Latvia. He began his hockey journey at a young age, playing for local teams in his hometown. Kivlenieks' talent on the ice quickly caught the attention of scouts, leading him to join the team of Dinamo Riga, a professional hockey organization based in his native Latvia, at the age of 16.
Kivlenieks' talent on the ice continued to develop, leading him to secure a spot on the Latvian national team for the first time in 2016. In 2017, he left Latvia to play junior hockey in North America, joining the Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League (USHL). Kivlenieks quickly established himself as one of the league's top goaltenders, leading the Musketeers to the USHL playoffs in his first season.
After two seasons with the Musketeers, Kivlenieks signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2017. The contract represented a significant milestone in Kivlenieks' hockey career, as it granted him the opportunity to play at the highest level of professional hockey in the world.
The Circumstances of Kivlenieks' Death
The circumstances surrounding Matiss Kivlenieks' death are heartbreaking. On the night of July 4, 2021, Kivlenieks was attending a fireworks celebration at the home of Blue Jackets goaltending coach Manny Legace. According to reports, Kivlenieks was in a hot tub with several other guests when a mortar-style firework malfunctioned and struck him in the chest.
Kivlenieks was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. The news of Kivlenieks' passing sent shockwaves through the hockey community, with players and fans alike mourning the loss of a talented young athlete.
The Impact of Matiss Kivlenieks
Matiss Kivlenieks' death is a devastating loss for the hockey community. Not only was he a talented and promising player, but he was also a beloved teammate and friend to many within the Columbus Blue Jackets organization.
Following Kivlenieks' passing, the hockey world came together to honor his memory. Teams and players from around the league paid tribute to Kivlenieks, with a moment of silence observed before several games. The Blue Jackets also honored Kivlenieks with a pre-game ceremony and a jersey patch bearing his initials and number, "MK 80."
Kivlenieks' death serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. He will be remembered not only for his talent on the ice but also for the kindness and warmth he brought to those around him.
Conclusion
The passing of Matiss Kivlenieks is a tragic loss for the hockey community. He was a talented young player with a bright future ahead of him, and his death is a reminder of the fragility of life. As we mourn his loss, we are reminded of the importance of treasuring every moment we have with our loved ones. Matiss Kivlenieks will be remembered for his talent, his kindness, and his impact on the hockey world.