May 26, 2017
Blue Jackets sign USHL G Kivlenieks to ELC
The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed United States Hockey League standout Matiss Kivlenieks to a three-year, entry-level contract. The 20-year-old goaltender was named both the USHL's goalie of the year and player of the year this season.
TSN.ca Staff
The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed United States Hockey League standout Matiss Kivlenieks to a three-year, entry-level contract.
The 20-year-old goaltender was named both the USHL's goalie of the year and player of the year this season. He went 36-7-4-2 in the regular season with a .932 save percentage and a 1.85 goals against average with the Sioux City Musketeers. He posted an 8-3-2 record in the postseason with a .925 save percentage and a 2.08 goals against average.
The Latvian netminder was undrafted in the NHL and spent last season with the USHL's Coulee Region Chill, posting a .925 save percentage with a 2.41 goals against average in 29 games.
According to Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch, many teams were interested in signing Kivlenieks.