Tragic accident: World Cup goalie dies at the age of 24

The news spread like wildfire throughout the ice hockey world on Monday afternoon: Matiss Kivlenieks died at the age of just 24. According to North American media reports, the Latvian ice hockey goalkeeper fell badly in a “tragic incident” on Sunday and suffered fatal head injuries.

Kivlenieks was under contract with NHL club Columbus Blue Jackets. He announced in a short statement on Monday that paramedics were called immediately after the accident, but that they were unable to prevent death a short time later. No further details about the cause of death were known. Columbus is in mourning In any case, the accident is said to have happened in the United States, where Kivlenieks had just a few days ago taken part in a motorsport event as a guest together with his Latvian compatriot and goalkeeper colleague for the Blue Jackets, Elvis Merzlikins.

Kivlenieks made a total of 8 appearances for the NHL club from Columbus over the past two seasons, and he also played for farm team partner Cleveland Monsters in the AHL. “He always had a smile on his face” Columbus captain Nick Foligno Kivleniek's team captain in Columbus, Nick Foligno, reacted to the sad news with disbelief. “What I particularly loved about him was that he always had a smile on his face and was always in a good mood,” said Foligno from TV station ESPN quoted. He added: "This is a very tough day for many people in our organization, my thoughts are with his family and everyone who knew him."

In the upcoming season, many experts expected significantly more ice time for Kivlenieks in the best league in the world - also because the 24-year-old from Riga put in strong performances at the home World Cup in May. In his 4 World Cup appearances, he only allowed 116 goals out of 9 shots on goal. Kivlenieks was not between the posts in the duel between Latvia and Italy (3-0), but he was in the hosts' memorable 2-0 win against Canada.

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Tragic accident: World Cup goalie dies at the age of 24

Just a few weeks ago he was a celebrated player at the Ice Hockey World Championships, and next season he was supposed to make his breakthrough in the NHL - but now a shocking accident has ended Matiss Kivlenieks' life.

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