Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks tragically lost his life in a fireworks accident at the suburban Detroit home of goaltending coach Manny Legace during a 4th of July party this past summer.
Kivlenieks was struck in the chest by an errant firework mortar blast and succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital, with the cause of death being listed as chest trauma which triggered major damage to his heart and lungs.
Legace joined Bally Sports Detroit broadcaster Ken Daniels during the intermission of tonight’s exhibition game between the Red Wings and Blue Jackets to reflect on the tragedy, as well as his own bout with COVID-19.
Manny Legace shares the story of his emotional journey through COVID-19 and the death of goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks, who was like a son to Legace. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/E3qbZyfWSU
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) October 3, 2021
Legace appeared in 180 career games for the Red Wings, and was a member of the 2001-02 Stanley Cup winning squad. He earned 187 career wins over the course of his NHL career, which also included stops with the Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and Carolina Hurricanes.
