• Search
  • Teams & Specialty
  • Stake RTB
  • \
  • version-4.2.45-79e98d112
    Back to The Hockey News
    Steven Ellis·May 5, 2022·Partner

    Elvis Merzlikins to Wear No. 80 With Latvia to Honor Matīss Kivlenieks

    Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins will wear No. 80 with Latvia's national team in honor of fallen teammate Matīss Kivlenieks.

    Elvis Merzlikins to Wear No. 80 With Latvia to Honor Matīss KivlenieksElvis Merzlikins to Wear No. 80 With Latvia to Honor Matīss Kivlenieks

    What a touching tribute. 

    Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins told Latvian media on Thursday that from now on, he'll wear No. 80 with Latvia's national team in honor of fallen teammate Matīss Kivlenieks.

    Kivlenieks was tragically killed on July 4, 2021 due to a firework malfunction in Michigan. According to Merzlikins, Kivlenieks protected Merzlikins' wife and their unborn child from an errant firework shell that ultimately killed Kivlenieks.

    As Sporta Centrs reports, Merzlikins is currently training in Latvia and will join the team when they head to Finland for the start of the World Hockey Championship next week. Merzlikins typically wears No. 30 with the national team, but will use the 80 worn by Kivlenieks when he suited up with Latvia and with Columbus, the team Merzlikins also plays for.

    Kivlenieks made his World Championship debut with Latvia last year and was in net when the team pulled off its historic first win against Canada on home ice.

    Given the bond these two goaltenders had, and the connection they had throughout their careers, this is a nice tribute by the Blue Jackets goaltender.

    0
    0
    0
    0
    Comments0
    0/3000
    You are not logged in, but may comment anonymously. Anonymous comments will only be published with admin approval.
    Recommended Posts
    Adam Proteau·6d·Partner
    Four NHL Coaches Who Could Be Job Hunting This Summer
    2
    1
    16
    0
    Tony Ferrari·Mar 20, 2025·Partner
    NHL Calder Trophy Tracker: Flyers' Michkov, Sharks' Smith Lead Best Of The Rest
    2
    0
    7
    0
    The Hockey News·3d·Partner
    Top NHL Prospects In Future Watch 2025: 76 To 100
    2
    0
    0
    0
    Adam Proteau·5d·Partner
    Berube’s Trust In Rielly And Holmberg Proved Costly In Leafs’ Loss To Nashville
    0
    0
    11
    0
    Jason Chen·2d·Partner
    NHL Power Rankings: Jets Take Back No. 1 As Worst Clubs Near The Chopping Block
    1
    0
    1
    0
    Lyle Richardson·4d·Partner
    NHL Rumor Roundup: Which Players Could Become Offer-Sheet Targets?
    2
    0
    3
    0
    Back to The Hockey News