Blue Jackets Merzlikins Admits Matiss Kivlenieks Saved His Family's Life

The death of Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks shocked the hockey world as the tragic events that took place were hard to fathom. On Thursday the service has begun and it turns out more details are being brought forward of what happened during the horrible fireworks accident. Needless to say Kivlenieks died a hero. 

Merzlikins admits that Matiss Kivlenieks saved him, his wife and the baby they are expecting. They were 20-30 feet behind him. God. Heartbreaking. #CBJ

— Mark Scheig (@markscheig) July 15, 2021

Absolutely gut-wrenching stuff and a horrible experience for all involved. You feel for the entire organization and especially their close knit group of goaltenders and coaches. 

Here's more information for today's service: 

"He saved my son, he saved my wife and he saved me. ... He died as hero."

Elvis Merzlikins at the memorial service for Matiss Kivlenieks. Kivlenieks died after he was struck in the chest by a fireworks mortar shell on July 4. pic.twitter.com/69C09ggG67

— Sporting News (@sportingnews) July 15, 2021

The stream is also available on YouTube here: https://t.co/LaTQjzOff0

You can also donate to the Matiss Kivlenieks Memorial Fund here: https://t.co/b1x0I9e8a6 https://t.co/oVCPmPprXa pic.twitter.com/Xb4YBG4GQX

— Sammi Silber (@sammisilber) July 15, 2021

Photo credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports