The Columbus Blue Jackets opened their 2021-22 campaign by honoring late goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks.
Kivlenieks was killed this summer in a fireworks accident at 24 years old. Some of his family members were in attendance for the ceremony as a banner with the goalie's No. 80 was unveiled.
The @BlueJacketsNHL honoured Matiss Kivlenieks ahead of puck drop by raising his No. 80 to the rafters with his family in attendance. ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/I8fqBEQDy0
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 14, 2021
Current Blue Jackets starter Elvis Merzlikins also took the ice wearing his best friend's number.
For tonight’s Season Opener vs. Arizona, G @Merzly30 will be wearing No. 80 in honor of Matiss Kivlenieks. #Kivi #CBJ pic.twitter.com/q7mgZE28h5
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) October 14, 2021
Merzlikins recently said he's going "all-in" to win the Vezina Trophy this season in Kivlenieks' memory.
Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.