The Minnesota hockey community is in mourning after Jessi Pierce, a longtime NHL.com reporter covering the Minnesota Wild, and her three children died in a house fire in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, on Saturday. Pierce, 37, had spent the past decade reporting on the team and was widely respected for her professionalism and passion for hockey.
“The entire NHL.com team is devastated and heartbroken by the loss of Jessi and her children,” said Bill Price, NHL.com’s vice president and editor-in-chief. “Jessi’s love of her family and hockey was evident in the energy and passion she brought to her work. She will be deeply missed.”
Firefighters responding to the blaze found Pierce, her three children, and the family dog deceased inside the home. Neighbors reported flames coming through the roof before calling 911. Authorities said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Fire Chief Greg Peterson expressed his condolences to the community, urging support for those affected. “Our hearts ache for those involved in this tragedy. We ask for the opportunity to allow our community to come together during this difficult time,” he said.
The Minnesota Wild paid tribute to Pierce on social media, highlighting her commitment to her family and the sport. “Jessi was a kind, compassionate person who served as an ambassador for the game of hockey,” the team said.
Pierce’s passing has left a profound void in Minnesota’s hockey community, known as the “State of Hockey,” where fans have long celebrated the Wild since the franchise’s inception in 2000.
