today 17:05
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At the beginning of July, the tragic news of the death of only 24-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets goalkeeper Matissa Kivlenieks hit the entire hockey world.
The Latvian native was at the Independence Day celebrations at the event on July 4 with his goalkeeper coach Manny Legac, who was also releasing his daughter Sabrina that day. However, an error occurred while firing the fireworks, he fired badly and hit Kivlenieks in the chest. He inflicted injuries incompatible with his life.
His last farewell took place on Thursday, during which, during his mourning speech, his goalkeeper colleague from the club and the national team, Elvis Merzlikins, presented the events of the fateful day.
“There were 60, 70 to 80 people. I talked to a lot of people, I didn’t look for him. But he came to me. We had the last beer, the last drink, more than one. He was still smiling. He made me stronger.
My wife and I are expecting a child. When that happened, he saved many lives. I stood less than ten meters behind him. I hugged my wife. He saved my son, saved my wife and saved me. My son’s middle name will be Matiss.
But if it wasn’t me, my wife or child, it would be another 50 people. He died a hero. Not only me, but the doctors. If he just sat there, it would turn out differently.
As Sabrina said, he grabbed his last puck. I just wanted to let you know that he died a hero, saved many lives. And I’m sure he did it with a smile, because it’s true, “ revealed Merzlikins.
Matiss Kivlenieks was a cheerful young man, and his last farewell was in a similar vein. In addition to tears, there were many smiles and laughter on it, brought about by funny stories from the speakers.
“He would be angry, he wouldn’t want this. You don’t know him. He just wants everyone to have a beer and move on, “ said Manny Legace in his speech, who then laughed at the whole hall and Merzlikins behind him.
“See how many lives he has been affected by. Torts even flew in and he hates goalkeepers, ” stated towards the arrival of coach John Tortorella.
Kivlenieks also took part in the recent World Hockey Championships, where he took care of a huge surprise immediately in the first match. “You beat Canada, it was hard for me, but we were proud of you,” Canadian Manny Legace said in his speech.
Merzlikins then reminded him that he had also managed to pick up a clean sheet. The Legation subsequently returned this remark to him. “He is the only goalkeeper from Latvia to beat Canada,” pronounced and focused his gaze on Merzlikinsa.č
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