The hockey world is in mourning after beloved Minnesota-based reporter Jessi Pierce and her three young children tragically died in a house fire early Saturday morning. She was 37.
Family’s dog also found
Never afraid to speak her mind, Jessi Pierce brought honesty, insight, and a touch of humor to her coverage of the game and the players on the ice. Her voice was shaped by more than a decade of experience covering her hometown team, earning her deep respect across the hockey world.
But now, she is gone—along with her three children.
The blaze broke out just before 5:30 a.m. in White Bear Lake, where emergency crews arrived to find the home already fully engulfed in flames, according to local officials. Authorities initially confirmed that one adult and three children had died, but did not release their identities.
A family dog was also found dead at the scene.
A neighbor described the terrifying moments as the fire spread rapidly through the home.
“We were sleeping. By the time the cops woke us, it was like a tornado of smoke,” Julie Andrus told the Minnesota Star Tribune, recalling the chaos as first responders rushed in.
The National Hockey League later confirmed the heartbreaking news, issuing a statement honoring Pierce and her children.
“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,” the league said.
“Jessi loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade. We will miss her terribly.”
Hockey journalist Michael Russo later identified the children as Hudson, Cayden, and Avery, sharing that Pierce is survived by her husband, Mike.
Just one day before the tragedy, Pierce had posted photos on social media from a visit to a local ice cream shop with her children, a snapshot of a joyful moment that now makes the loss even more heartbreaking.
Pierce spent the past decade covering the Minnesota Wild for NHL.com and was widely respected in the hockey community. She also contributed to The Athletic, worked with the team directly earlier in her career, and co-hosted the popular Bardown Beauties podcast.
A graduate of Iowa State University, she wrote for several outlets throughout her career, including USA Hockey and regional hockey publications, building a reputation as a passionate and dedicated voice in the sport.
Following the tragic news, Nashville Predators head coach Andrew Brunette shared an emotional tribute:
“I just wanted to pass on my condolences for Jessi Pierce. I’ve known her a long time. She was a wonderful person, loved hockey, loved people, somebody I looked forward to all the time when I would go to Minnesota. It’s a sad day in hockey. Her passion for the game, her passion for the Wild, is unsurpassed, and we’re going to miss her. It’s a tragedy.”
Her sudden loss — along with her children — has left a deep void in both her community and the hockey world. Rest in Peace, Jessi!
