Investigation continues into death of Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks
Brian HedgerAn investigation into the death of Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks remains unresolved three months after a police report was turned over to a prosecutor.
Kivlenieks died July 4 after being struck in the chest by a fireworks mortar shell while attending a wedding at the offseason home of Blue Jackets goaltending coach Manny Legace in Novi, Michigan. Novi Police conducted a preliminary investigation and concluded Kivlenieks’ death was a tragic accident.
The report from that probe, which includes witness statements, has not been released publicly because it was turned over to Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald’s office July 12. Police did not request criminal charges be filed and no charges have been issued. Still, the prosecutor's office has referred to the matter as a “criminal case," and there’s no set timeframe for when the investigation will conclude.
Information since the report went to McDonald’s office has been sparse other than a July 28 update from Novi Police Lt. Jason Meier telling The Dispatch the prosecutor’s office requested “additional information.”
What information was sought and whether it was obtained is unknown.
A Dispatch request for information issued through the Michigan Freedom of Information Act was denied Aug. 5, citing the investigation as cause for denial. In correspondence about the request, McDonald called the matter a “criminal case.”
The incident happened July 4, shortly after 10 p.m. in Legace’s backyard.
Police said Kivlenieks was stuck by a 3-inch mortar shell from a “cake style” nine-shot fireworks device that began firing over a hot tub where the goalie was seated. After the first shot went over the tub, Kivlenieks tried to escape the area and was struck in the left side of his chest. According to an autopsy, he sustained extensive external injuries and fatal injuries to his heart and lungs.
'An unreal story':Matiss Kivlenieks' unique journey to reaching his dream as NHL goalie for the Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets will memorialize Kivlenieks before their season-opener Thursday at Nationwide Arena. Kivlenieks’ mother, stepfather, sister and aunt are traveling from Latvia and will participate in a ceremonial puck drop. Kivlenieks’ No. 80 will be visible behind both nets, a No. 80 banner will be unveiled and Blue Jackets players will wear “80” stickers on their helmets all season.
Oliver Bjorkstrand misses practice
The Blue Jackets practiced Monday for the first time after trimming the roster to what they will open the season with Thursday.
Oliver Bjorkstrand did not skate, and coach Brad Larsen said his absence was due to “maintenance” for an undisclosed injury. Bjorkstrand led the Blue Jackets with five goals in the preseason, including his fifth to give them a 1-0 lead Saturday night in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Emil Bemstrom filled Bjorkstrand’s spot at right wing on the second line, skating with left wing Gustav Nyquist and center Jack Roslovic.
Gregory Hofmann edges Yegor Chinakhov
Gregory Hofmann skated at right wing on the fourth line at practice instead of rookie Yegor Chinakhov, who led the Blue Jackets’ prospect team in Traverse City last month with six goals in three games.
Coach Brad Larsen likes Hofmann’s speed when combined with left wing Eric Robinson and center Sean Kuraly, but cautioned against assuming Chinakhov will sit out a lot. Whether it’s with the Blue Jackets or Cleveland Monsters in the AHL, expect to see Chinakhov logging minutes in his first season in North America.
“We will manage that,” Larsen said. “He’s not going to sit here and not play, I can tell you right now, if it goes longer than a game or two. We’re two-and-a-half hours up the road (from Cleveland), so the luxury is he can go play (there), come back. He can sit there for a weekend, a couple weeks. So, we’ll be real cognizant of that. He’s a young guy who needs to play.”
bhedger@dispatch.com
@BrianHedger