N.h.l. goalie dies after being hit

An investigation into the death of Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks remains unresolved three months after a police report was turned over to a prosecutor. 

Kivlenieks died July 4 after being struck in the chest by a fireworks mortar shell while attending a wedding at the offseason home of Blue Jackets goaltending coach Manny Legace in Novi, Michigan. Novi Police conducted a preliminary investigation and concluded Kivlenieks’ death was a tragic accident. 

The report from that probe, which includes witness statements, has not been released publicly because it was turned over to Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald’s office July 12. Police did not request criminal charges be filed and no charges have been issued. Still, the prosecutor's office has referred to the matter as a “criminal case,"  and there’s no set timeframe for when the investigation will conclude. 

Information since the report went to McDonald’s office has been sparse other than a July 28 update from Novi Police Lt. Jason Meier telling The Dispatch the prosecutor’s office requested “additional information.” 

What information was sought and whether it was obtained is unknown. 

A Dispatch request for information issued through the Michigan Freedom of Information Act was denied Aug. 5, citing the investigation as cause for denial. In correspondence about the request, McDonald called the matter a “criminal case.”

The incident happened July 4, shortly after 10 p.m. in Legace’s backyard.  

Police said Kivlenieks was stuck by a 3-inch mortar shell from a “cake style” nine-shot fireworks device that began firing over a hot tub where the goalie was seated. After the first shot went over the tub, Kivlenieks tried to escape the area and was struck in the left side of his chest. According to an autopsy, he sustained extensive external injuries and fatal injuries to his heart and lungs. 

'An unreal story':Matiss Kivlenieks' unique journey to reaching his dream as NHL goalie for the Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets will memorialize Kivlenieks before their season-opener Thursday at Nationwide Arena. Kivlenieks’ mother, stepfather, sister and aunt are traveling from Latvia and will participate in a ceremonial puck drop. Kivlenieks’ No. 80 will be visible behind both nets, a No. 80 banner will be unveiled and Blue Jackets players will wear “80” stickers on their helmets all season. 

Oliver Bjorkstrand misses practice 

The Blue Jackets practiced Monday for the first time after trimming the roster to what they will open the season with Thursday. 

Oliver Bjorkstrand did not skate, and coach Brad Larsen said his absence was due to “maintenance” for an undisclosed injury. Bjorkstrand led the Blue Jackets with five goals in the preseason, including his fifth to give them a 1-0 lead Saturday night in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Emil Bemstrom filled Bjorkstrand’s spot at right wing on the second line, skating with left wing Gustav Nyquist and center Jack Roslovic. 

Gregory Hofmann edges Yegor Chinakhov

Gregory Hofmann skated at right wing on the fourth line at practice instead of rookie Yegor Chinakhov, who led the Blue Jackets’ prospect team in Traverse City last month with six goals in three games. 

Coach Brad Larsen likes Hofmann’s speed when combined with left wing Eric Robinson and center Sean Kuraly, but cautioned against assuming Chinakhov will sit out a lot. Whether it’s with the Blue Jackets or Cleveland Monsters in the AHL, expect to see Chinakhov logging minutes in his first season in North America. 

“We will manage that,” Larsen said. “He’s not going to sit here and not play, I can tell you right now, if it goes longer than a game or two. We’re two-and-a-half hours up the road (from Cleveland), so the luxury is he can go play (there), come back. He can sit there for a weekend, a couple weeks. So, we’ll be real cognizant of that. He’s a young guy who needs to play.” 

@BrianHedger

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The Blue Jackets said Kivlenieks' death was the result of an accident.

"We are shocked and saddened by the loss of Matiss Kivlenieks, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his mother, Astrida, his family and friends during this devastating time," Blue Jackets president of hockey operations John Davidson said. "'Kivi' was an outstanding young man who greeted every day and everyone with a smile, and the impact he had during his four years with our organization will not be forgotten."

Kivlenieks was 1-1-0 with a 3.40 goals-against average and .901 save percentage in two games with Columbus this season, and 2-2-2 with a 3.09 GAA and an .899 save percentage in eight NHL games (six starts) the past two seasons.

"The National Hockey League was saddened to learn of the sudden and tragic passing of goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "On behalf of the NHL family, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and teammates in both the Blue Jackets organization and his native country of Latvia. His love for life and passion for the game will be deeply missed by all those who have been fortunate to have him as a teammate and a friend."

NHL Players' Association executive director Don Fehr said, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Matiss Kivlenieks at the age of only 24. His passion and drive enabled him to reach the top level of hockey, which induced winning his final NHL game on May 8 with Columbus and representing Latvia at the recent World Championship. Our condolences go out to Matiss' family, friends and teammates during this difficult time. He will be missed by all who knew him."

David Savard, who was teammates with Kivlenieks with the Blue Jackets until being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 10, said he learned about the goalie's death in a text Monday morning.

"We played together a long time," the defenseman said. "That's extremely sad news. That's a guy who was close to the team, he traveled with the team all year long. That was a brutal wake up this morning. That was a good kid with a lot of talent who was going to be a part of the team next year or in the future. That's extremely sad."

Savard said the text came from former Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno, who was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 11.

"Seeing all the beautiful tributes to Matiss only further cements what kind of person he was!" Foligno wrote on his Twitter account. "What a tragic loss for all of us who knew him, and I am thinking and praying for his family. Heaven gained a darn good goalie and better person. … Just way too soon. "

Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito was assistant GM with the Blue Jackets when Kivlenieks signed as an undrafted free agent May 25, 2017.

"My heart aches to learn this morning of the passing of Matiss," Zito said. "Our Panthers family joins the NHL in sending heartfelt condolences to his family, teammates, and the Blue Jackets family during this impossibly difficult time."

Kivlenieks played for Latvia at the 2021 IIHF World Championships and was 1-1-2 with a 2.18 GAA, .922 save percentage and one shutout in four games.

"Life is so precious and can be so fragile," Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said in a tweet. "Hug your loved ones today. RIP Matiss, you will be dearly missed."

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