Jessi Pierce Wikipedia, Biography, Cause of Death, Husband, Children, Career, GoFundMe, Family,

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Jessi Pierce was a highly respected sports journalist and a prominent figure in the Minnesota hockey community, best known for her dedicated coverage of the Minnesota Wild. Over a career spanning more than a decade, she became a fixture at the Xcel Energy Center, reporting for NHL.com and contributing to various other outlets including The Athletic, USA Hockey, and the Minnesota Hockey Magazine. She was widely admired for her deep knowledge of the game, her vibrant personality, and her ability to build genuine connections with players, coaches, and fellow media members.

Beyond her written work, Pierce was a popular voice in the podcasting world as the co-host of “Bardown Beauties.” Alongside Kirsten Krull, she provided fans with lighthearted yet insightful analysis of the Wild and the broader NHL landscape. Her colleagues often described her as a “ray of sunshine” in the press box, known for her upbeat energy and her signature habit of wearing a blanket to stay warm during games. She was also the founder and COO of New Voice Studios, further establishing her influence within regional sports media.

Tragically, the hockey world is currently mourning her passing following a devastating house fire in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, on March 21, 2026. The fire claimed the lives of the 37-year-old reporter as well as her three young children—Hudson, Cayden, and Avery—and the family dog.

She is survived by her husband, Mike Hinrichs, who was away on a business trip at the time of the tragedy. In the days following the event, a massive outpouring of support from fans and colleagues has seen a GoFundMe campaign raise significant funds to assist him.

Early Life and Background

Jessi Pierce, born Jessica Hinrichs, grew up with a deep-rooted love for Minnesota and its unofficial religion: hockey. From a young age, she was captivated by the speed and strategy of the game. Friends and colleagues recall that her ambition was clear even in her teenage years. At the age of 18, she explicitly articulated her goal to become a writer for the National Hockey League—a dream that many might have dismissed as a youthful whim, but one that she pursued with relentless tenacity.

Education: Honing the Craft at Iowa State

To turn her passion into a profession, Jessi attended Iowa State University, where she majored in journalism. During her four years at the university, she was a standout student, covering multiple sports through both print and video media. Her time at Iowa State was formative, providing her with the technical skills and the confidence to navigate the male-dominated world of sports reporting. She remained a “proud graduate” throughout her life, often crediting her time in Ames for helping her build the foundation for her later success.

Career: The Rise of a Media Powerhouse

The path to becoming an NHL correspondent was not a straight line, but Jessi Pierce embraced every stop along the way. Her career journey took her through various markets and roles, each contributing to her growth as a journalist.

Early Career Steps

Before becoming a staple of the Minnesota Wild coverage, Jessi gained valuable experience in several locations, including:

Brainerd, Minnesota: Where she cut her teeth in local reporting.
Syracuse, New York: Expanding her reach into East Coast sports markets.
Colorado Springs, Colorado: Working in a major hub for American hockey.

Correspondent for NHL.com

Approximately a decade ago, Jessi achieved her lifelong dream by joining NHL.com as a correspondent. Covering the Minnesota Wild, she became one of the most recognizable faces in the media room. Her work was characterized by a rare blend of humor, deep tactical understanding, and a genuine rapport with the players. She didn’t just report scores; she told the stories of the people behind the jerseys.

Bardown Beauties Podcast

In 2019, Jessi expanded her digital footprint by co-hosting the “Bardown Beauties” podcast alongside Kirsten Krull. The show became a favorite for Wild fans, offering a lighthearted yet deeply informed look at the team and the broader NHL landscape. Through the podcast, Jessi’s “larger-than-life personality” truly shone, as she engaged in spirited debates and shared behind-the-scenes anecdotes that made listeners feel like they were part of the conversation.

Contributions to Other Major Outlets

Her expertise was in such high demand that she contributed to numerous prestigious publications, including:

The Athletic: Providing long-form, analytical pieces.
USA Hockey: Covering the sport at a national developmental level.
Minnesota Hockey Journal: A local staple for fans across the state.
New Voice Studios: Where she served as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Family and Personal Life: A Devoted Mother and Wife

While Jessi’s professional achievements were vast, she often stated that her greatest roles were those of wife and mother. She was married to Mike Hinrichs (often referred to as Mike Pierce in some media reports), and together they built a life centered on adventure and love.

The Hinrichs Children

Jessi was the mother of three vibrant children, each of whom she often brought into her professional world:

Hudson (8): A curious boy who loved basketball and sports.
Cayden (6): Described as a “comedian-in-training” who enjoyed wrestling.
Avery (4): A young girl with a burgeoning love for fashion and dance.

Jessi was known for “melding family and work,” frequently seen at Wild practices with a child on her hip. She was public about her “gratefulness” for her family, often sharing humorous and touching anecdotes about her life as a “hockey mom” on social media.

The Tragic Incident: March 21, 2026

The life of Jessi Pierce and her family was cut short in a tragedy that has stunned the “State of Hockey.” On the morning of Saturday, March 21, 2026, a fire broke out at the family’s home on Richard Avenue in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.

Neighbors reported seeing flames shooting through the roof around 5:30 AM. Despite the rapid response from the White Bear Lake Fire Department, the structure was fully engulfed. Inside, firefighters discovered the bodies of Jessi, her three children—Hudson, Cayden, and Avery—and the family dog. All were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Final Moments and Investigation

Just one day before the fire, on March 20, Jessi had posted her final photos to social media. They showed her and the children enjoying sprinkle-covered ice cream at the seasonal opening of “Cup and Cone,” a local favorite. The caption simply read, “Bag(s) secured.” At the time of the fire, her husband Mike was away on a business trip.

The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is currently leading the investigation into the cause of the blaze. Preliminary reports indicate no evidence of arson or foul play, pointing toward a tragic accident.

Net Worth and Professional Standing

While a specific figure for Jessi Pierce’s net worth is not publicly disclosed, she had established a multifaceted and successful career. Her income was derived from her long-term contract with the NHL, her podcasting revenue, freelance contributions to major outlets like The Athletic, and her leadership role at New Voice Studios.

Conclusion

Jessi Pierce was a rare individual who managed to reach the pinnacle of her profession while remaining grounded in the values of family and kindness. She was a mentor to young journalists, a friend to the athletes she covered, and a light to the fans who followed her work. Her legacy will live on through the “Bardown Beauties” episodes, her countless articles, and the memories of a woman who proved that you could be both a fierce professional and a devoted parent.

FAQs about Jessi Pierce

Who was Jessi Pierce?

Jessi Pierce was a prominent Minnesota-based sports journalist, NHL.com correspondent, and co-host of the “Bardown Beauties” podcast.

How did Jessi Pierce die?

She passed away in a tragic house fire at her home in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, on March 21, 2026.

Who else died in the fire?

Her three children—Hudson (8), Cayden (6), and Avery (4)—and the family dog also perished in the blaze.

Where was Jessi Pierce’s husband during the fire?

Her husband, Mike Hinrichs, was away on a business trip at the time of the tragedy.

Where did Jessi Pierce go to college?

She was a proud graduate of Iowa State University, where she studied journalism.

What was the cause of the White Bear Lake fire?

The cause is currently under investigation by the Minnesota State Fire Marshal, though preliminary findings suggest no signs of arson.