RI High School Hockey to Resume Play After Pawtucket Shooting

League says games will restart 'no earlier than Friday, Feb. 20' following deadly incident at rink

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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High school hockey games in Rhode Island will resume play later this week after being temporarily suspended following a deadly shooting at a rink in Pawtucket on Monday. The Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL) said it has held 'extensive conversations' with member schools, state agencies, and police to ensure those impacted feel ready to return to competition.

Why it matters

The shooting at the Pawtucket rink, which left two people dead and three others wounded, has shaken the local high school hockey community. The RIIL's decision to pause games and then carefully plan a return to play reflects the league's efforts to balance the need for competition with sensitivity to the trauma experienced by players, coaches, and fans.

The details

According to the RIIL, regular-season and tournament games will resume 'no earlier than Friday, Feb. 20.' The league said it held 'extensive conversations' with member schools, state agencies, and police to ensure those impacted by the shooting felt ready to return to competition. In the wake of the tragedy, the hockey community has received an outpouring of support from across Rhode Island and beyond.

  • The shooting occurred on Monday, February 17, 2026 during a high school hockey game.
  • The RIIL temporarily suspended all high school games to honor the victims and 'reflect upon this senseless act of violence.'
  • On Wednesday, February 19, 2026, the RIIL announced that regular-season and tournament games will resume 'no earlier than Friday, Feb. 20.'

The players

Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL)

The governing body for high school sports in Rhode Island, which oversees the state's high school hockey league.

Rhonda Dorgan

A mother who was shot and killed in the stands during a high school hockey game in Pawtucket.

Aidan Dorgan

The brother of a Blackstone Valley Schools hockey player, who was also shot and killed in the incident.

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What’s next

The RIIL will work closely with member schools, state agencies, and police to ensure a safe and sensitive return to play for high school hockey games in Rhode Island.

The takeaway

The RIIL's decision to pause and then carefully plan the resumption of high school hockey games reflects the league's commitment to prioritizing the well-being of players, coaches, and fans in the wake of a tragic and traumatic event. The outpouring of support from the broader community underscores the importance of sports in bringing people together during difficult times.