High School Hockey Returns to Rhode Island Rinks

Players and parents back in the stands after deadly shooting at previous game

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Just four days after a shooting at a high school hockey game left two dead and three critically injured, players hit the ice and parents returned to the stands as high school hockey resumed across Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Interscholastic League had temporarily suspended all play to allow teams time to process the tragedy, but announced a plan to resume regular-season and tournament games on Wednesday.

Why it matters

The resumption of high school hockey in Rhode Island is an important step toward restoring a sense of normalcy and safety in the local hockey community, which was deeply shaken by the recent violence. Coaches, players, and parents hope that returning to the rink will allow them to move forward and create positive memories, despite the lingering pain and shock.

The details

On Monday, a shooting during a high school hockey game at Dennis M. Lynch Arena left two family members of a Blackstone Valley Schools player dead and three others critically injured. In response, the Rhode Island Interscholastic League temporarily suspended all play to allow teams time to process the tragedy. On Wednesday, the league announced a plan to resume regular-season and tournament games, with the first games taking place on Friday.

  • The shooting incident occurred on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • The Rhode Island Interscholastic League temporarily suspended all play following the incident.
  • The league announced a plan to resume regular-season and tournament games on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.
  • High school hockey games resumed on Friday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Cameron Rancourt

An assistant coach for the RMT co-op team, which comprises students from Rogers, Middletown, Tiverton, Mt. Hope and East Providence high schools.

Blackstone Valley Schools

The school district of the senior player whose family members were involved in the shooting incident.

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What they’re saying

“Every person in that arena I'm praying for. Nobody deserves that at a hockey rink. We pause to remember the victims and keep their families in our hearts.”

— Cameron Rancourt, Assistant Coach, RMT Co-op Team (WPRI)

“The main thing we want these kids to know is that hockey is a safe place, no matter what.”

— Cameron Rancourt, Assistant Coach, RMT Co-op Team (WPRI)

“There are bad people in this world. They don't mess with what we do. These kids worked hard for three years, for these moments in this playoff run. So we're excited to keep the season moving and create some good memories.”

— Cameron Rancourt, Assistant Coach, RMT Co-op Team (WPRI)

What’s next

The Rhode Island Interscholastic League will continue to monitor the situation and provide support to the affected teams and communities as the high school hockey season progresses.

The takeaway

The resumption of high school hockey in Rhode Island, despite the recent tragedy, demonstrates the resilience and determination of the local hockey community to move forward and reclaim the sport as a safe and positive space for student-athletes. Coaches, players, and parents are committed to creating new, uplifting memories to help heal the wounds left by the senseless violence.