Elvis Merzlikins makes good on promise to Matiss Kivlenieks, who tragically died this offseason
The NHL offseason continues to truck along at a snail's pace, leaving hockey fans chomping at the bit for any exciting news that indicate that we are getting closer to the start of the season. While this isn't one of those particular announcements, it is still a cool story nonetheless.
Columbus Blue Jackets netminder Elvis Merzlikins and his wife Aleksandra have announced the birth of their son, Knox Matiss Merzlikins, making good on a promise to name their son after teammate Matiss Kivlenieks who was tragically killed over the offseason.
Kivlenieks had been with the Merzlikins' at the home of Blue Jackets goalie coach Manny Legace when a fireworks mortar blast went off accidentally and struck Kivlenieks in the chest. After the July 4th accident, the Merzlikins' had vowed to have their son named after Matiss.
Merzlikins confirmed last month that Kivlenieks stepped in front of the projectile blast to save he and his wife.
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| Shayne Gostisbehere | - | - | - | |
| Taylor Hall | - | - | - | |
| Noah Hanifin | - | - | - | |
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