Columbus Prospect Goalie Matiss Kivlenieks Has Passed Away
#CBJ confirmed reports in Latvia that G Matiss Kivlenieks has passed away at the age of 24.
Working on the details, but such awful news.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) July 5, 2021
via IIHF.com (translated),
We express our deepest condolences to the relatives, friends and colleagues of the Latvian national goalkeeper Matīss Edmunds Kivlenieks with the premature departure of Matīss. Matīss, a student of the hockey school "Pārdaugava", was the goalkeeper of the Latvian national team at the last World Championship, entering the goal in four games. He also played eight games in the NHL during his career. With his fighting spirit, work ethic and attitude he was a true example in sports! Matīsa's departure is a great loss not only for Latvian hockey, but for the entire Latvian nation.
added 8:56am, CBJ statement is below. added 9:20am, Statement from Gary Bettman is below....
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