Remembering Matiss Kivlenieks
2021-07-06
It is with profound sadness that the Vegas Golden Knights announce goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks passed away Sunday evening at the age of 24 as the result of a tragic accident. Matiss was the man leading the Silver Knights in net for their current playoff round with the San Diego Gulls.
The first goaltender drafted in Golden Knights history, Matiss was drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 EHE Entry Draft. With a career of 83 games played between Rapid City and Henderson in the AHL, Matiss was on the cusp of breaking thru and reaching the EHE level.
"I received a text message Monday from Commissioner Kevin Lacy, and just stared at my phone for a minute not believing it. Matiss was a player I was very excited for when I drafted him in 2017. It was exciting to see him join into the AHL after competing in the USHL just the year prior. He was one guy I was excited to see grow in the league, and eventually be able to rise to his full potential in the coming years. It is still surreal that it was cut short so quickly," spoke General Manager Doug Waite by phone.
The Henderson Silver Knights will wear a patch for the remander of the 2021 playoffs, and for the full 21-22 season in rememberence of Matiss.
RIP Matiss Kivlenieks (1996-2021)
Gone way too soon.
I should have thought to postpone the Silver Knights game tonight. I'll do that for the next one. Loved seeing Emil Larmi put up like the game of his life for you tonight!
Remembering Matiss Kivlenieks
August 26, 1996 – July 4, 2021