Blue Jackets trying to identify fan who taunted Merzlikins; video of the incident surfaces

Prior to Monday night's game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Dallas Stars, a fan reportedly taunted goaltender Elvis Merzlikins about the death of his friend and teammate Matiss Kivlenieks.

"There are some stupid people in this world," Merzlikins said post-game. "That was really bad what happened in the tunnel when I was walking out. There was a fan from Dallas who provoked me about Matiss."

According to Aaron Portzline, the organization and Nationwide Arena security are attempting to identify the fan, who was wearing a Dallas Stars sweater.

"Told #CBJ and #Nationwide Arena security are attempting to identify the fan who, according to goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, taunted Merzlikins regarding the off-season death of his friend and former teammate Matiss Kivlenieks before Monday's game vs. Dallas. #TexasHockey," Portzline said in a tweet.

Told #CBJ and #Nationwide Arena security are attempting to identify the fan who, according to goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, taunted Merzlikins regarding the off-season death of his friend and former teammate Matiss Kivlenieks before Monday's game vs. Dallas. #TexasHockey.— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) October 26, 2021

Kivlenieks passed away on July 4th following an accident involving fireworks at the home of Blue Jackets goaltending coach Manny Legace.

In the video below, you can faintly hear a fan yell "don't light a firework" towards Merzlikins and his teammates.

I believe (not 100% sure) that you can hear the taunt on a video posted on CBJ's Instagram story last night. I think you can hear «don't light a firework» 😔 pic.twitter.com/rWqeVFitIN— John's Plan (@therealholstein) October 26, 2021

Behaviour like this should not be tolerated. It's disgusting to see that this fan felt like it was okay to yell that towards Merzlikins and taunt him about the death of his friend. Whenever this fan is identified, it's safe to say that they won't be allowed into Nationwide Arena for a very long time.

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