Pawtucket High School Hockey Game Shooting Leaves 2 Dead, 3 Injured

Local sports teams, including the New England Patriots, offer condolences and reactions to the tragic incident.

Feb. 17, 2026 at 10:23pm

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A deadly shooting at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on February 16th left two people dead and at least three individuals wounded following a family dispute, according to the Pawtucket Police Department. The New England Patriots and other local sports teams expressed heartbreak and offered condolences in the aftermath of the tragic incident.

Why it matters

The shooting at a high school sporting event has shaken the local community and sparked reactions from prominent sports organizations in the region, highlighting the impact of gun violence and the need for increased safety measures at youth athletic competitions.

The details

The shooting occurred at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, which is located about 20 miles from the New England Patriots' home stadium of Gillette Stadium. The Pawtucket Police Department reported that the incident stemmed from a family dispute, leading to the deaths of two individuals and injuring at least three others.

  • The shooting took place on February 16, 2026 during a high school hockey game.

The players

New England Patriots

The seven-time Super Bowl-winning NFL franchise based in Foxborough, Massachusetts, which is located about 20 miles from the site of the shooting.

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What they’re saying

“The New England Patriots organization is heartbroken by the tragic shooting that occurred today in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Our hearts are with the students, coaches, fans and all those affected by this act of violence.”

— New England Patriots

The takeaway

This shooting at a high school sporting event underscores the need for increased safety measures and efforts to curb gun violence in local communities, as well as the importance of sports teams and organizations providing support and condolences in the wake of such tragic incidents.