Rhode Island Hockey Team Wins Championship After Rink Shooting Tragedy

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — In a display of resilience and determination, the Blackstone Valley Co-op high school hockey team secured the Division 2 state championship on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, just weeks after a tragic shooting at a local rink deeply impacted the team and the wider community. The team defeated Lincoln High School 3-2 in a grueling quadruple overtime match.

A Season Marked by Grief and Healing

The shooting, which occurred on February 16 at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, claimed the lives of three people – Rhonda Dorgan, Aidan Dorgan and Gerald Dorgan – and left two others critically injured. The gunman, identified as Robert Dorgan, Rhonda’s ex-husband, died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound USA Today.

Among those deeply affected was Colin Dorgan, a senior and team captain, who lost his mother, brother, and grandfather in the attack. Despite the immense grief, Dorgan returned to lead his team, embodying strength and perseverance.

A Championship Secured in Overtime

The championship game against Lincoln High School was a tense and emotional affair. After a tied score led to four overtime periods, Blackstone Valley’s Jaxon Boyes finally netted the winning goal, sparking a wave of emotion and relief. Colin Dorgan had previously tied the game, setting the stage for the dramatic finish CBS News.

“It’s just a game for Lincoln High School and for everybody that’s coming here, but for us who lived through that shooting? It’s our lives. It’s a tragedy we all went through and are still healing from,” Blackstone Valley head coach Chris Librizzi said, visibly moved, before the game.

Team Unity and Community Support

Throughout the playoffs, the Blackstone Valley team wore jerseys adorned with red hearts bearing the initials of Dorgan’s lost family members, a poignant tribute that symbolized their unity and support. The team received an outpouring of support from the Rhode Island hockey community, with many displaying hockey sticks outside their homes in solidarity ESPN.

Coach Librizzi emphasized the importance of family and support, noting that every player chose to return to the team, even if only to support from the bench. The team underwent 10 days of counseling sessions following the tragedy.

Dorgan’s Emotional Journey

Colin Dorgan expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of his sister, Ava Dorgan, who was present during the shooting but unharmed. He credited her with helping him navigate his grief and find the strength to return to the ice. “She’s very tough, she’s a tough girl. And I thank her, because she just totally filled the shoes of my mom,” Dorgan said.

Dorgan shared that he felt the presence of his loved ones throughout the playoffs and during the championship game. “I truly felt it in my heart and my soul that they’re still with me,” he said. “I love them so much, and they’re still here and I know it.”

Looking Ahead

The Blackstone Valley Co-op’s championship victory is a testament to their resilience, unity, and unwavering spirit in the face of unimaginable loss. As the team looks ahead, they carry with them the memory of those they lost and the strength they found in each other and their community.