Winnipeg Jets forward Pierre-Luc Dubois is making a sentimental jersey number change and will wear No. 80 in honour of his late teammate, Matiss Kivlenieks.

The two played together with the Columbus Blue Jackets for parts of two seasons before Dubois was traded to the Jets in January.

Kivlenieks, a backup goalie, was killed July 4 in a fireworks accident at a house party in Michigan. He was 24.

Blue Jackets goalie Kivlenieks died of chest trauma from fireworks blast, says medical examiner

A medical examiner in Michigan says an autopsy has determined that Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks died of chest trauma from an errant fireworks mortar blast, and not a fall as authorities previously reported.

Blue Jackets goalie prospect Matiss Kivlenieks, 24, died from an apparent head injury in a fall, according to the NHL team. 

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Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks, 24, died due to a fireworks mortar blast, a medical examiner says.

TEAM PAGE: Winnipeg Jets

Soon after Kivlenieks' death, Dubois, 23, posted a photo of his late teammate on Instagram, writing, "RIP 'Kivvi'. You were a great person and an unbelievable friend to have.'"

After his trade to Winnipeg, Dubois changed from No. 18 to No. 13.

Pierre-Luc Dubois is changing his jersey number from 13 to 80 in honour of his late teammate, Matiss Kivlenieks who died in a fireworks accident on July 4. 

Pierre-Luc Dubois changing jersey number to honour late teammate

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