Blue Jackets hold ceremony for Kivlenieks prior to season opener

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Kirk Irwin / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Columbus Blue Jackets opened their 2021-22 campaign by honoring late goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks.

Kivlenieks was killed this summer in a fireworks accident at 24 years old. Some of his family members were in attendance for the ceremony as a banner with the goalie's No. 80 was unveiled.

Current Blue Jackets starter Elvis Merzlikins also took the ice wearing his best friend's number.

Merzlikins recently said he's going "all-in" to win the Vezina Trophy this season in Kivlenieks' memory.

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