Introduction:
The tragic passing of young hockey star Matiss Kivlenieks has stunned the sports world, leaving fans and players mourning his sudden loss. It’s always heartbreaking to lose someone so young and full of potential, but Kivlenieks’ death is particularly shocking as it happened during the prime of his NHL career. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the details of Kivlenieks’ death, his family background, and his net worth.
Cause of Death:
The 24-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets goalie passed away on July 4th, 2021, due to a tragic accident. Kivlenieks sustained a chest trauma from a fireworks mortar blast at a private party in Novi, Michigan. Despite receiving treatment on the spot, the injury proved fatal, and Kivlenieks passed away later that night in a local hospital.
Career and Achievements:
Kivlenieks started playing hockey at a young age in his hometown of Riga, Latvia. He played in several minor leagues before signing with the Blue Jackets in 2017. While he played backup to Joonas Korpisalo during the 2020-2021 NHL season, Kivlenieks showed plenty of potential with an impressive .901 save percentage in his eight games. He also represented Latvia in the 2018 and 2021 Ice Hockey World Championships.
Family Background:
Matiss Kivlenieks was born on August 26th, 1996, in Riga, Latvia to his parents, Ilze and Olegs Kivlenieks. He had a younger sister named Madara. Kivlenieks’ family was well-known in Latvian hockey circles, with his father Olegs serving as a coach for several teams. Kivlenieks’ mother is a nurse, and his sister Madara also played hockey.
Net Worth:
Being a young player, it’s difficult to gauge Kivlenieks’ actual net worth. However, according to data from CapFriendly, Kivlenieks signed a two-year contract extension worth $1.45 million with the Blue Jackets in March 2021. He also earned roughly $100,000 during his stint in the AHL.
Tributes and Reactions:
Kivlenieks’ sudden death has brought an outpouring of love and support from fellow players and fans worldwide. Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen described Kivlenieks as “an outstanding young man full of life, and it is extremely difficult to believe he is no longer with us.” Several prominent Latvian hockey players, including Buffalo Sabres forward Zemgus Girgensons, also expressed their sorrow at Kivlenieks’ passing.
Impact on the NHL Community:
Kivlenieks’ death has highlighted the importance of firework safety and raised awareness about the dangers of mishandling explosive devices. Many players and fans have taken to social media to urge caution and responsibility when using fireworks. It’s possible that Kivlenieks’ death could lead to stronger regulations on fireworks sales and use.
Memorial Services:
Kivlenieks’ passing has left fans, friends, and family members in shock. However, several memorial services have allowed people to pay their respects and celebrate the young goalie’s life. A public memorial service was held for Kivlenieks in Latvia, with the country’s President and Prime Minister in attendance. The Blue Jackets have also held tributes for Kivlenieks, with several players speaking about their memories of the goalie.
Conclusion:
Matiss Kivlenieks was a promising young talent whose life was tragically cut short. Despite only playing eight NHL games, Kivlenieks had already made an impact on the ice and in the hearts of teammates and fans alike. His passing is a reminder of the importance of safety and responsibility in everyday life. We will always remember Matiss Kivlenieks’ courage, passion, and spirit, even as we mourn his loss.
FAQs:
1. How old was Matiss Kivlenieks when he died?
Matiss Kivlenieks was 24 years old when he died in July 2021.
2. What was Matiss Kivlenieks’ career?
Matiss Kivlenieks was a professional ice hockey player who played as a goalie for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
3. What was the cause of Matiss Kivlenieks’ death?
Matiss Kivlenieks died due to chest trauma from a fireworks mortar blast at a private party.
4. Did Matiss Kivlenieks have a family?
Yes, Matiss Kivlenieks had a family, including his parents, Ilze and Olegs Kivlenieks, and a younger sister named Madara.
5. What was Matiss Kivlenieks’ net worth?
Matiss Kivlenieks’ net worth is unknown, but he had signed a two-year contract extension worth $1.45 million with the Columbus Blue Jackets in March 2021.