The magnetocaloric effect in the vicinity of the martensitic transformation for a single crystalline alloy with a composition close to the stoichiometric Ni₂MnGa has been determined indirectly by M(T,H) magnetization measurements. It has an inverse character. The magnetocaloric parameters, i.e., the magnetic entropy change, refrigeration capacity and various hysteretic effects have been calculated from the M(T,H) dependences. Besides the martensitic transition a weak entirely separated intermartensitic transition was observed. These two successive magneto-structural transformations give contributions to the observed magnetocaloric effect. Unusual dependence of entropy change as a function of magnetic field has been explained as arising because of two different mechanisms. Additionally, to confirm that studied martensitic transformation is a first order phase transition electrical resistivity and thermoelectric power measurements have been performed.