Tragedy strikes again on this nation’s Independence Day. It was announced that Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks suffered a tragic death during Fourth of July celebrations. He was reportedly struck in the chest with a firework mortar. Ahead of Monday’s Game 4 between the Lightning and the Canadiens, the two teams took a moment of silence to honor Kivlenieks. Following the game, Lightning coach Jon Cooper began his presser with a message of condolence to the Kivlenieks family.
Coach Jon Cooper wanted to extend a message to the Kivlenieks family before taking any questions. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Cw3ahyai2o
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 6, 2021
In the wake of a tough loss, it was a nice gesture for Cooper to prioritize what’s really important.
🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/xk2bpanUOm
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 6, 2021
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Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen shared his condolences on Twitter.
Life is so precious and can be so fragile. Hug your loved ones today. RIP Matiss, you will be dearly missed.
— Jarmo Kekalainen (@jkekalainen) July 5, 2021
Kivlenieks signed with Columbus as a free agent in 2017. He made his NHL debut at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 19, 2020, stopping 31 of 32 shots to beat the New York Rangers 2-1.
RIP.
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