Why Matiss Kivlenieks Remains a Hero to the Hockey World
Matiss Kivlenieks was a 24-year-old Latvian goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets who tragically died on July 4, 2021, in a fireworks accident while heroically shielding others from harm.
Key Facts About Matiss Kivlenieks:
- Born: August 26, 1996, in Riga, Latvia
- NHL Career: 8 games, 2-2-2 record, 3.09 GAA, .899 save percentage
- Career Highlight: Led Latvia to historic 2-0 victory over Canada at 2021 World Championship
- Death: July 4, 2021, from chest trauma caused by fireworks mortar blast
- Legacy: Remembered as a hero for protecting teammate Elvis Merzlikins’ family during the accident
The young goaltender’s story represents both the promise of professional hockey and the fragility of life. Starting in Riga, Latvia, Kivlenieks worked his way through junior leagues to reach the NHL as an undrafted free agent. His teammate Elvis Merzlikins described his final moments: “He saved my [unborn] son. He saved my wife and he saved me.”
What makes Kivlenieks’ story compelling is how he embodied the spirit of hockey—selfless, determined, and protective. His death wasn’t just a tragedy; it was a heroic act that saved lives.
As R. Couri Hay, I’ve covered many stories of loss and legacy. The hockey community’s response to Matiss Kivlenieks’ passing revealed something profound about brotherhood and sacrifice, uniting people in ways that transcend sport.
Common * Matiss Kivlenieks* vocab:
From Riga to the NHL: The Rise of a Goaltender
For Matiss Kivlenieks, the journey began on the cold rinks of Riga, Latvia. Born on August 26, 1996, he stepped onto the ice at age three and found his calling as a goaltender by five.
Growing up in Latvia, he became fluent in Latvian, Russian, and English, a gift that proved invaluable. At just 16, Matiss Kivlenieks left his family behind to chase his NHL dream in North America, a courageous move for a teenager determined to succeed.
His junior hockey journey wasn’t smooth, playing for several teams before finding his home with the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL. It was with the Musketeers that he announced himself to the hockey world. In the 2016-17 USHL season, his stunning 1.85 GAA and .932 save percentage were the second-best in league history, making scouts take notice.
His remarkable performance earned him USHL Player of the Year and Goaltender of the Year in 2017. For an undrafted player, these awards were like gold.
The Columbus Blue Jackets saw his potential and in May 2017, signed him to a three-year, entry-level contract worth $2,497,500.
His NHL debut on January 19, 2020, was the stuff of dreams. Facing the New York Rangers, Matiss Kivlenieks stopped 31 of 32 shots, leading his team to a 2-1 victory, a performance suggesting many more great nights lay ahead.
The Professional Career of Matiss Kivlenieks
While Matiss Kivlenieks only played 8 career NHL games, he showed glimpses of his potential. His 2-2-2 record, 3.09 GAA, and .899 save percentage demonstrated he belonged at hockey’s highest level.
The real development happened in the American Hockey League with the Cleveland Monsters, the Blue Jackets’ affiliate. Over 85 AHL games, Matiss compiled a record of 33-35-9 with a 3.31 GAA and .896 save percentage, plus 3 shutouts. These stats represented countless hours of practice and dedication.
His entry-level contract was validation that an undrafted kid from Latvia could make it. The Columbus organization saw him as a future prospect with genuine NHL potential.
You can find more details about his career on his official NHL player profile, which tells the story of a young man who never stopped believing.
International Stardom
Playing for your country is every hockey player’s dream, and Matiss Kivlenieks wore the Latvian jersey with incredible pride. He represented Latvia at various levels before becoming a cornerstone of the senior national team.
At the 2021 IIHF World Championship, Matiss wrote his name in hockey history. In his defining moment, he led Latvia to a historic 2-0 victory over Canada—the first time Latvia had ever beaten the Canadian powerhouse.
The performance was spectacular. Matiss Kivlenieks stopped all 38 shots, recording a shutout that sent shockwaves through the hockey world. It was a moment of national pride that made him an instant hero in Latvia.
The victory represented everything beautiful about international hockey. The IIHF paid tribute to his remarkable contributions, acknowledging how he lifted his country’s profile on the world stage. For Latvia, Matiss had given them something to celebrate forever.
A Tragic Fourth of July: The Day the Hockey World Mourned
July 4, 2021, became one of hockey’s darkest days. Matiss Kivlenieks, just 24 and with his career ahead of him, tragically died in a fireworks accident that shook the sports world.
The tragedy unfolded at the Novi, Michigan home of his goaltending coach, Manny Legace. A typical Fourth of July gathering turned into a nightmare when a fireworks mortar malfunctioned.
Initial reports were confusing. Some suggested Matiss slipped and fell, hitting his head. The chaos created uncertainty that only the official investigation would clear.
We now know Matiss Kivlenieks was in a hot tub when an errant mortar from a tilted firework struck him. The impact was devastating, and the heroic nature of his final moments would be revealed later. For organizations in such tragedies, clear communication is crucial. More info about crisis management pr can help.
The Heroic Final Act of Matiss Kivlenieks
The true measure of Matiss Kivlenieks’ character was revealed in his final moments. According to his teammate and close friend Elvis Merzlikins, who was present with his pregnant wife, Matiss didn’t just become a victim—he became a hero.
“He saved my [unborn] son. He saved my wife and he saved me,” Merzlikins later said at a memorial service. He explained that when the firework malfunctioned, Matiss Kivlenieks instinctively moved to shield others, taking the full force of the impact.
The medical professionals who treated Matiss confirmed what Merzlikins witnessed. “He died a hero. And that’s not me saying it. That was the doctor saying it,” Merzlikins shared. The doctors verified that his selfless actions resulted in him bearing the brunt of the mortar’s impact.
This act of ultimate sacrifice resonated far beyond hockey. Manny Legace, whose home hosted the gathering, spoke of how Matiss Kivlenieks had become “one of my family.” The lasting impact on Elvis Merzlikins was profound—he would later name his son Knox Matīss in honor of his fallen friend and change his international jersey number to #80 to commemorate Matiss’s memory.
The Harrowing 911 Calls
Desperate 911 calls after the accident paint a heartbreaking picture. At approximately 10:13 p.m., emergency calls began flooding in from the Legace residence.
Key details from the 911 calls reveal the urgency and confusion:
- “Fireworks misfire” – callers immediately identified the cause
- “He was hit by a firework” – the nature of the injury was clear
- “He’s getting ready to go into convulsions” – his condition was rapidly deteriorating
- “He’s breathing, we have a nurse here” – medical assistance was being provided
- “He’s not doing very good” – the severity was becoming apparent
The emergency response was swift. Paramedics arrived in just 4 minutes and 38 seconds from the initial call—a remarkably fast response.
Despite a nurse on scene and rapid medical help, the trauma Matiss Kivlenieks sustained from the mortar blast proved too severe. The 911 recordings are a haunting reminder of how quickly a joyful celebration can turn into tragedy.
The Investigation and Official Cause of Death
After such a public tragedy, a thorough investigation was crucial to separate fact from the initial confusion and speculation surrounding the death of Matiss Kivlenieks.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s office conducted an autopsy, ruling the official cause of death as chest trauma from a fireworks mortar blast. The percussive injury caused fatal damage to his heart and lungs, despite a quick paramedic response.
This medical evidence was crucial, as it debunked the initial “slip and fall” theory that suggested Matiss had hit his head while running from the malfunctioning firework.
The Novi Police Department conducted its own investigation, interviewing witnesses and examining the scene. Their conclusion was clear: this was a tragic accident. As a result, no criminal charges were filed. The investigation brought official closure, though it could never ease the pain of loss.
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Clarifying the Events
The police investigation methodically pieced together what happened. Through witness statements and forensic analysis, investigators created a clear timeline.
The investigation revealed the specific mechanics of the fireworks malfunction. The mortar tube had fired several shots successfully, but at some point, the tube tilted. The eighth shot went harmlessly over the hot tub where Matiss Kivlenieks and others were gathered.
But the ninth and final shot took a deadly path. Because of the tilted tube, this mortar blast struck Matiss directly in the chest, causing his fatal injuries.
The thoroughness of the police and medical examiner’s work was vital in dispelling rumors and providing clarity to a grieving hockey community. It ensured the official narrative was based on evidence, not speculation, and confirmed what his teammate Elvis Merzlikins had said: Matiss Kivlenieks acted to protect others in his final moments.
A Lasting Legacy: Tributes and Honors
The loss of Matiss Kivlenieks sparked an extraordinary outpouring of love and remembrance across the hockey world. Shock and grief transformed into a celebration of a brief but impactful life.
The Columbus Blue Jackets organized a moving memorial service where teammates, coaches, and staff shared stories and memories. The raw emotion showed how much Matiss Kivlenieks meant to them, far beyond being just a player.
Fans honored his memory with the #SticksOutForKivi initiative, placing hockey sticks outside their homes. This genuine, grassroots tribute was a powerful visual reminder of a united community.
The tributes extended far beyond Columbus. The Cleveland Monsters held their own ceremonies, and the Sioux City Musketeers retired his number 35 jersey permanently, ensuring future generations would know his story.
Perhaps the most meaningful tribute is the Matiss Kivlenieks Memorial Fund, established by the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation. This fund supports youth hockey in Columbus and Latvia, ensuring his passion for the game inspires young players. The Blue Jackets organization and the McConnell family pledged $80,000 to match donations, honoring the jersey number that became synonymous with his heroism.
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Personal Tributes from the Hockey Community
The most powerful tributes to Matiss Kivlenieks came from those who knew him best: his teammates, coaches, and friends.
Elvis Merzlikins, whose family Matiss saved, made the most profound tribute. He named his newborn son Knox Matīss Merzļikins, ensuring his friend’s name would live on. Merzlikins also wears number 80 for Latvia, turning a jersey number into a symbol of brotherhood. “Matiss wasn’t my friend,” Merzlikins said. “He was my little brother.”
Former teammate Pierre-Luc Dubois also honored Matiss by changing his jersey number to #80, a powerful way to keep his friend’s memory alive on the ice.
Former Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno shared, “One thing I loved and appreciated about him was he had a great smile and always was in a good mood… he didn’t take one day for granted, which makes this tragedy even more hard to bear.” His social media tribute added: “Heaven gained a darn good goalie and better person. … Just way too soon.”
The tributes reached the highest levels of hockey. Jarmo Kekalainen, the Blue Jackets GM, reminded everyone of life’s fragility: “Life is so precious and can be so fragile. Hug your loved ones today. RIP Matiss, you will be dearly missed.” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated, “His love for life and passion for the game will be deeply missed.” The league honored Matiss Kivlenieks with a moment of silence at the Stanley Cup Finals.
Manny Legace, his goaltending coach, described how Matiss had become “one of my family.” The summers at Legace’s home were about forming deep, personal connections beyond hockey, making the loss even more painful.
These were genuine expressions from people who lost someone they loved, whose infectious smile and generous spirit had made their own lives better. The response to his passing reminded everyone that behind every jersey is a person with the power to touch lives in profound ways.
Frequently Asked Questions about Matiss Kivlenieks
The story of Matiss Kivlenieks continues to touch hearts and raise questions. As someone who covers insider stories in high society and sports, I understand how certain figures become symbols of something greater. Matiss’s story combines athletic achievement with genuine heroism.
People often ask about his life and tragic death. The details help us understand who this remarkable young man was.
How did Matiss Kivlenieks die?
Matiss Kivlenieks died on July 4, 2021, at age 24. The official cause was chest trauma from a fireworks mortar blast at a gathering in Novi, Michigan. A tilted mortar tube fired a shell that struck him in the chest. The autopsy confirmed the blast caused fatal damage to his heart and lungs, dispelling initial reports of a fall. His death was ruled accidental, and no criminal charges were filed.
Why is Matiss Kivlenieks considered a hero?
Matiss Kivlenieks is considered a hero for his final, selfless act. According to teammate Elvis Merzlikins, Matiss shielded Merzlikins’ pregnant wife and unborn son from a malfunctioning firework, taking the full impact. “He saved my [unborn] son. He saved my wife and he saved me,” Merzlikins said. Doctors confirmed his actions were heroic and saved others. This split-second choice reflected his character as someone who always put others first.
What teams did Matiss Kivlenieks play for?
Matiss Kivlenieks‘ career took him from Latvia to North America. Professionally, he played for the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) and their AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters. In junior hockey, he starred for the Sioux City Musketeers, winning USHL Player and Goaltender of the Year in 2017. He also represented Latvia internationally, famously leading them to a historic first-ever win over Canada with a 38-save shutout in the 2021 IIHF World Championship. His player profile and stats show a promising career cut short.
Conclusion
The story of Matiss Kivlenieks reminds us that the most profound legacies are built not just on accomplishments, but on how one chooses to live—and die—with honor. He was a young man who embodied determination, loyalty, and ultimate sacrifice.
His promising career took him from Riga, Latvia, to the NHL, proving that talent and hard work overcome obstacles. His historic shutout victory over Canada at the 2021 World Championship made an entire nation proud. Matiss Kivlenieks had already secured his place in hockey history.
But what truly sets his story apart is how he lived as a beloved teammate. Everyone who knew him speaks of his infectious smile and positive energy. As Nick Foligno said, Matiss was “a darn good goalie and better person.” These words reflected the genuine love his teammates felt for him.
His heroic final act on July 4, 2021, shielding Elvis Merzlikins’ family from an errant firework, transformed a senseless tragedy. In that split second, he chose others over himself, a selfless act that defines a hero.
The hockey community’s response—jersey retirements, memorial funds, and personal tributes—shows the deeply human side of sports, reminding us that behind every uniform is a person with the capacity for extraordinary courage.
5 FAQs About Matiss Kivlenieks
1. Who was Matiss Kivlenieks?
Matiss Kivlenieks was a Latvian professional ice hockey goaltender who played for the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL), Cleveland Monsters (AHL), and Prizma Riga (LHL) from 2012 to 2021. Born in Riga, Latvia, he was known for his skill and vibrant personality.
2. How did Matiss Kivlenieks die?
Kivlenieks died on July 4, 2021, at age 24, from chest trauma caused by an errant fireworks mortar blast during a celebration in Novi, Michigan. He was struck while protecting others, earning praise as a hero.
3. What was Kivlenieks’ most notable achievement in hockey?
In the 2016–17 USHL season, Kivlenieks led the Sioux City Musketeers to the Anderson Cup, earning a 1.85 GAA and .932 save percentage, and was named USHL Goaltender and Player of the Year
4. How did the Columbus Blue Jackets honor Kivlenieks?
The Blue Jackets honored Kivlenieks with a ceremonial puck drop involving his family, a banner raised during the 2021–22 season, and a jersey display at Nationwide Arena. Teammate Pierre-Luc Dubois also changed his jersey number to 80 in his honor.
5. Did Kivlenieks have a family or partner?
Kivlenieks was not married and had no known girlfriend at the time of his death. He is survived by his mother, stepfather, younger sister, and aunt. His close bond with teammate Elvis Merzlikins was evident in tributes after his passing
At R. Couri Hay Columns, we’re drawn to insider stories that reveal the character behind public figures. Matiss Kivlenieks lived with purpose and compassion, and his legacy continues to inspire. His story proves true greatness is measured not in trophies, but in the impact we have on others.