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The NHL community and the hockey world at large were stunned and saddened when it was announced that 24-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died Sunday after a tragic accident fireworks display in Michigan.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, there was a wave of mourning, condolences and remembrance from everyone in hockey.
Former Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno had only nice things to say about his ex-teammate.
“One thing I liked and appreciated about him was that he had a big smile on his face and was always in a good mood,” said Foligno.
“I know it’s cliché, but that’s exactly the kind of guy he was. Just enjoy his 24 year life living his dream and you can tell he hasn’t taken a day for granted which makes this tragedy even harder to bear! Pray for his family and for all who knew him. Difficult day for many people in this organization.
Another former teammate and current Tampa Bay Lightning member David Savard learned of Kivlenieks’ death via a text message from Foligno, and called the incident “extremely sad”.
Blue Jackets forward Max Domi also spoke:
Blue Jackets fans at “R Bar” – a hockey pub near the team’s home, Nationwide Arena – participated in an 80-second moment of silence in honor of the Kivlenieks jersey number.
A minute of silence also took place in Montreal at the Bell Center before Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on Monday night.
Columbus CEO Jarmo Kekalainen shared a sentimental tweet after Kivlenieks’ sudden death.
Besides Foligno, Domi, Savard and Kekalainen, many others weighed on the devastating news.
Kivlenieks clearly had a positive impact on so many people he interacted with. His death truly changed the hockey world.
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