The Latvian Ice Hockey Federation announced on Monday that goalkeeper Matiss Kivlenieks has passed away.
He died after injuring his head in a fall accident.
Kivlenieks played in the Columbus Blue Jackets in the NHL, together with, among others, Swedish Kevin Stenlund.
- It came as a shock when I found out.
He had his whole life ahead of him, just reached the goal of his life that I had the honor of being a part of and seeing him strive for, says Stenlund.
"Tragic accident"
The incident that led to his death is described as a "tragic accident" by the NHL club,
"It is with deep sadness that we tell you that Matiss Kivlenieks has died at the age of 24 after a tragic accident," the club writes.
- It's just a deep sadness right now, says Kevin Stenlund.
Matiss Kivlenieks stood in the goal for Latvia during the World Cup 2021 and stood for a big match when his country beat Canada 2-0.
The goalkeeper was recruited to the Blue Jackets already in 2017 but made his debut in January 2020.