Davidson: Sudden death of goalie has “far-reaching effects”

COLUMBUS (AP) — The Columbus Blue Jackets are dealing with the sudden death of 24-year-old goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks in a Sunday night fireworks accident. The organization for which he played since his professional career began in 2017 is in mourning, working with his family in Latvia to arrange memorial services and making mental health counselors available for those who need it. Blue Jackets’ president of hockey operations John Davidson says the player’s death has “far-reaching effects.” Kivlenieks was killed while at the Michigan home of Manny Legace, the team’s goaltenders coach. He had gone there for the weekend wedding of Legace’s daughter.