Blackstone Valley Hockey Team Wins Championship After Tragedy
The Rhode Island high school hockey team that was on the ice during a mass shooting last month has capped its season with a state title. No. 5 seed Blackstone Valley Co-op won the Division 2 championship over No. 2 Lincoln on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in a dramatic 3-2 victory in the fourth overtime.
A Season Marked by Tragedy and Triumph
The championship win comes just weeks after a horrific shooting at a Senior Day game at Rhode Island’s Dennis M. Lynch Arena on February 16th. Robert Dorgan fatally shot his ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, son Aidan Dorgan, and his own father, Gerald Dorgan.1 Two others were severely injured during the attack.
Colin Dorgan’s Resilience
Blackstone Valley Co-op team captain Colin Dorgan, whose mother, brother, and grandfather were killed in the shooting, played a pivotal role in the team’s playoff success. He scored a goal with approximately 30 seconds remaining in the championship game to tie the score. 2 Teammate Jaxon Boyes ultimately scored the winning goal in the fourth overtime.
Dorgan had previously scored the winning goal in double overtime in the semifinals, propelling the team to the final. 1 He expressed his nervousness about returning to the ice but credited his team and support network for helping him persevere.
Community Support and Remembrance
The team wore jerseys with a heart patch featuring the initials “RD”, “AD”, and “GD” to honor Rhonda, Aidan, and Gerald Dorgan throughout the playoffs. 2 Coach Chris Librizzi offered players the option of not returning to play after the tragedy and ensured the team received counseling.
“The outpouring of love and support that was sent our way from all over North America, it’s just been nothing but spectacular, and it made the difference … We won it because of love,” said Coach Librizzi. 2
Robert Dorgan and the Shooting
Police identified Robert Dorgan as the shooter, stating the shooting was targeted. 1 Robert Dorgan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the attack.1
This marks Blackstone Valley Co-op’s first state title. 2
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