The hockey community is mourning the tragic loss of beloved NHL reporter Jessi Pierce, who died alongside her three young children in a house fire in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.
Emergency crews responded early Saturday morning after neighbors reported flames coming through the roof of a single-family home. Firefighters arrived to find the residence fully engulfed. Despite immediate efforts, an adult, three children, and a dog were discovered inside and pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The National Hockey League confirmed Pierce’s death the following day, sharing, “The entire National Hockey League family sends our prayers and deepest condolences to the Pierce family on the passing of Jessi Pierce and her three young children,” and adding, “Jessi loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade. We will miss her terribly.”
Pierce, 37, spent 10 seasons contributing to NHL.com and was widely recognized for her coverage of the Minnesota Wild. She was also a co-host of the “Bardown Beauties” podcast and wrote for outlets including USA Hockey and The Athletic. A graduate of Iowa State University, she built a respected career while raising her family, often blending her professional and personal life.
Tributes poured in from colleagues and friends. The Minnesota Wild called her “a kind, compassionate person who cared deeply about her family and those around her,” while others remembered her upbeat personality and passion for the game. One colleague noted the emotional impact at a recent game, saying, “a lot of tears were shed at the arena yesterday.”
Pierce is survived by her husband, Mike. As the investigation continues, the local community and the broader hockey world are coming together to honor her memory and support her loved ones during an unimaginably difficult time.
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