OCTOBER 14, 2021

Donation is part of money raised by the Matiss Kivlenieks Memorial Fund in honor of late CBJ goaltender

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation announced today that it is donating $80,000 to the Latvian Ice Hockey Federation for its “Kivi’s Kids” initiative, which has been established in honor of Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks, who passed away last July.  The money will be used to fund clinics and provide equipment for young goaltenders in his native Latvia. 

The CBJ Foundation established the Matiss Kivlenieks Memorial Fund to support youth hockey initiatives in central Ohio and Latvia. The organization and McConnell family pledged $80,000 to match every donation made to the fund in Matiss’ memory. To date, over $100,000 has been raised. 

The Blue Jackets will remember Matiss with a ceremony prior to tonight’s season-opening game vs. the Arizona Coyotes at Nationwide Arena.  In addition, all CBJ Foundation fundraising activities – 50/50 Raffle, auction and merchandise sales including official warm up pucks and special “Kivi” hats and t-shirts – will benefit the fund. For more information or to make a contribution, individuals may visit www.BlueJackets.com/Kivi.   

Full and partial season tickets for the Blue Jackets’ 2021-22 campaign are also currently available for purchase.  Information on all ticketing options can be obtained by calling (800) NHL‐COLS or by visiting www.BlueJackets.com.

COURTESY BLUE JACKETS COMMUNICATIONS