The hockey community is mourning the loss of longtime writer and media personality Jessi Pierce, who died Saturday in a house fire along with her three children. She was 37. According to authorities in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, a fire broke out at a home on the 2100 block of Richard Avenue at 5:26 a.m. Saturday. In aftermath of the blaze, an adult, three children, and a dog were found dead.
In a statement, the National Hockey League expressed condolences to Pierce’s family while highlighting her impact on the sport and its media coverage.
“Jessi loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade,” the league said. “We will miss her terribly.”
Pierce built a respected career covering the sport across multiple levels, becoming a familiar and trusted voice in the Minnesota hockey scene through her work with NHL.com and her consistent presence around the Minnesota Wild. She spent the past 10 seasons contributing to NHL.com, where she covered the Wild and provided insight shaped by years of experience reporting on her hometown team.
Colleagues recall her as both prepared and personable, someone who combined reporting instincts with a conversational style that resonated with players, coaches and fellow media members.
Bill Price, editor-in-chief of NHL.com, said Pierce’s passion for both her work and her family stood out immediately to those who worked alongside her.
“She brought energy and enthusiasm to everything she did,” Price said. “She was an absolute joy to talk to and work with, and she will be deeply missed.”
Beyond her written work, Pierce expanded her presence through digital and audio platforms, co-hosting the Bardown Beauties podcast while also contributing to Minnesota sports coverage across multiple outlets. Her social media presence further connected her with fans, offering a blend of analysis, personality and behind-the-scenes perspective.
Hubbard Radio Director of Digital Content Development Phil Mackey called a joy to work with and alongside.
“We are absolutely heartbroken and devastated by the death of our coworker and friend Jessi Pierce (Jessica Hinrichs), as well as her three kids, Hudson, Cayden and Avery,” wrote Mackey via social media. “Jessi was just the best. We all loved her. We’re thinking of Jessi’s husband, Mike, and everyone who was in her orbit.”
Pierce’s path to covering the NHL was not linear, but it reflected a determination to reach a goal she set early in life. After stops in several markets, she established herself in Minnesota and ultimately earned a role covering the league on a national platform.
A graduate of Iowa State University, Pierce gained early experience covering a variety of sports during her college years, building a foundation that would support her later work across hockey media. Her byline appeared in numerous publications, including The Athletic, as she developed a reputation for informed commentary and consistent access.
The Wild also released a statement following the news, calling Pierce a “kind and compassionate person” who served as a dedicated ambassador for the sport throughout her career.
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