Trending Now - Blackstone Valley Schools Claims State Hockey Title Amid Tragedy
WHO:
Colin Dorgan, player for Blackstone Valley Schools, expressed, "Throughout all of the playoffs, even this game and the overtimes, I truly felt it in my heart and my soul that they're still with me. I love them so much."
Chris Librizzi, head coach of Blackstone Valley Schools, stated, "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 it."
Colin Dorgan, player for Blackstone Valley Schools
Chris Librizzi, head coach of Blackstone Valley Schools
Robert Dorgan, identified shooter
Rhonda Dorgan, ex-wife of Robert Dorgan, victim
Aidan Dorgan, son of Robert Dorgan, victim
Gerald Dorgan, father of Robert Dorgan, victim
Jaxon Boyes, teammate of Colin Dorgan
WHAT:
Blackstone Valley Schools won the Division 2 championship with a score of 3-2 against Lincoln High School after four overtime periods.
Colin Dorgan tied the game with a goal off of a deflection with about 30 seconds left in regulation.
Jaxon Boyes scored the winning goal at the beginning of the fourth overtime period.
Blackstone Valley Schools won the Division 2 boys’ state championship on March 19, 2026, with a score of 3-2 against Lincoln High School.
Colin Dorgan scored the game-tying goal with less than a minute left in the third period.
The game went into four overtime periods before Blackstone Valley secured the victory.
Colin Dorgan scored the game-winning goal in double overtime in the semifinals the previous week.
The shooting incident occurred on February 16, 2026, during a game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.
WHERE:
Blackstone Valley Schools, Rhode Island
Amica Mutual Pavilion, Providence, Rhode Island
Dennis M. Lynch Arena, Pawtucket, Rhode Island
WHEN:
Colin Dorgan called the championship win "the best moment of his life" on March 18, 2026, just days before laying to rest his mother Rhonda, brother Aidan, and grandfather Gerald.
Championship game on March 19, 2026
Shooting incident on February 16, 2026
Colin Dorgan decided to return to practice on March 18, 2026.
WHY:
The shooting incident was described as a targeted attack by police.
The shooting was targeted, as identified by police.
The team faced a tragedy that affected their community and prompted discussions about continuing the season.
HOW:
Coach Chris Librizzi provided 10 days of counseling sessions for players after the shooting.
Coach Chris Librizzi provided counseling sessions for players after the shooting.
Players were given the option to not return to play but were encouraged to support the team in other ways.
Colin Dorgan credited his sister, Ava, for helping him cope with the tragedy and return to the ice.
(UPDATED March 19, 2026 23:10 UTC)
In a poignant victory, Blackstone Valley Schools clinched the Division 2 championship with a thrilling 3-2 win over Lincoln High School after four overtime periods, marking a significant moment for the team and the community. Colin Dorgan, who scored the game-tying goal just seconds before the end of regulation, expressed that this win was "the best moment of his life," especially as he prepares to lay to rest his mother, brother, and grandfather. Coach Chris Librizzi emphasized the emotional weight of the game, reminding everyone that while it may just be a game for some, for those affected by the recent tragedy, it represents a part of their healing journey.
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(UPDATED March 19, 2026 15:16 UTC)
In a dramatic finish, Blackstone Valley Schools clinched the Division 2 boys’ state championship today, defeating Lincoln High School with a score of 3 to 2 after an intense four overtime periods, highlighted by Colin Dorgan's game-tying goal in the final minute of regulation. This victory comes just weeks after a tragic shooting incident during a game that claimed the lives of Robert Dorgan, his ex-wife Rhonda, and their son Aidan, prompting the team and community to rally together in support. Coach Chris Librizzi provided counseling sessions for players, and Colin Dorgan, who returned to practice just yesterday, credits his sister Ava for helping him cope with the aftermath of the tragedy.