Former Blue Jacket Shares Moving Tribute To Matiss Kivlenieks

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Tyler Ball
September 24, 2023 (3:03 PM)

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Matiss Kivlenieks passed away in an unfortunate accident in July of 2021. Since then teammates and organizations that Kivlenieks has been in have done different tributes to him.

Recently a former teammate of Kivlenieks talked about how he plans to keep Matiss' memory alive.

Former Blue Jacket Switches Up His Number In Honor Of Matiss

In an interview earlier this week, Pierre-Luc Dubois spoke about the upcoming season. This season will be his first with the Los Angeles Kings. As a result, a new number was in order for a new city. When deciding on a number Dubois had a special one in mind.

He wanted to honor his former teammate Kivlenieks by wearing the number 80. First, though he wanted to make sure that Matiss' family was okay with the idea.

I asked the family first if I could. I didn't know if that was something that they kind of wanted to retire. And they said that would be great. He'd be happy.

The biggest thing for Dubois was keeping the memory and impact of a close friend and teammate's life going.

The way I saw it was I wanted to keep his legacy going because his career got cut short

Dubois first made the number switch in Winnipeg and will carry the number on now to Los Angeles. He has bigger goals beyond a number to honor his friend going forward.

Dubois Wants To Win A Championship For Kivlenieks

This is a very kind gesture from Dubois who at times has been seen as a selfish player in the media. He has switched teams several times and struggled to find a home.

Now he is focused on his future with the Los Angeles Kings. This future includes plans for the biggest tribute of all for Kivlenieks according to Dubois.

When I imagined it in my head it was if I ever win the Stanley Cup it would be my last name but it'll be his number.

The Los Angeles Kings have a team that should be able to compete in the Pacific Division. If things go according to plan Dubois will be able to lift the Stanley Cup for his fallen friend completing a life long dream for both of them. Either way Dubois and Kivlenieks are linked for life through the number 80 and the impact that one left on the other.