Elvis Merzlikins pays tribute to fallen teammate Matiss Kivlenieks.

The passing of young goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks stunned the hockey world. The young man who had worked so hard to achieve his dream of playing in the National Hockey League was on the cusp of what would have no doubt been the most important season of his professional career when his life was taken far too soon.

The bizarre and unexpected circumstances surrounding the passing of Kivlenieks where at first very confusing but as more and more has come to light in the weeks and months following his passing, there is no question now that Kivlenieks is nothing short of a hero. Columbus Blue Jackets teammate and fellow goaltender Elvis Merzlikins has since said publicly that his young counterpart not only saved his life that day, but saved the life of his pregnant wife as well as the life of his son in the process.

Even though he may be gone today, his selfless act of self sacrifice now guarantees that the memory of Matiss Kivlenieks will live on forever in the hearts and minds of the people of Columbus, hockey fans around the world, and no doubt especially so in the Merzlikins family. On Friday, in collaboration with the Blue Jackets, Merzlikins unveiled the brand new goalie mask that he will be wearing in the 2021 - 2022 season when he takes the ice for the Blue Jackets.

The mask, unsurprisingly, pays homage to Kivlenieks in a major way and will be worn throughout the season and likely beyond if I had to venture a guess. Of course nothing that anyone does will do anything to ease the pain that losing Matiss has caused his friends and family, but it is nonetheless a beautiful and touching tribute from one man who clearly holds a deep love and appreciation for the friend that gave up everything for him.