Blue Jackets Foundation donates $80K to Latvian Ice Hockey Federation for 'Kivi's Kids'

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation announced Thursday it is donating $80,000 to the Latvian Ice Hockey Federation for its "Kivi's Kids" initiative.

The initiative was established to honor late Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks, who passed away last July.

The money will be used to fund clinics and to provide equipment for young goaltenders in his native country.

Following Kivlenieks' death, the Blue Jackets Foundation created the Matiss Kivlenieks Memorial Fund to support youth hockey initiatives in central Ohio and Latvia. The organization and McConnell family pledged $80,000 to match every donation made to the fund in Matiss’ memory. To date, over $100,000 has been raised.

At Thursday night's season opener, the Blue Jackets will honor Kivlenieks. Members of his family, including his mother, stepfather, sister, and aunt will be in attendance and will participate in a ceremonial puck drop before the game.

A banner featuring his No. 80 will be unveiled and will stay in the rafters of Nationwide Arena for the entire season.

Kivlenieks' No. 80 will also be visible in the ice behind both nets for Thursday’s game vs. Arizona and Saturday’s contest vs. Seattle and all Blue Jackets players will wear an “80” sticker on their helmets throughout the season.

Additionally, all CBJ Foundation fundraising activities including the 50/50 Raffle, auction and merchandise sales including official warm-up pucks and special “Kivi” hats and t-shirts will benefit the memorial fund.

For more information or to make a contribution, click here.

The Blue Jackets will begin the 2021 season Thursday night against the Arizona Coyotes.