High School Hockey Player Scores Game-Winning Goal After Losing 3 Family Members

Colin Dorgan's goal sends Blackstone Valley Co-Op team to state championship game.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:40pm

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A high school hockey player whose three family members were killed in a shooting at a Pawtucket, Rhode Island ice rink scored the winning goal in double overtime to send his team to the state championship game. Colin Dorgan's mother, brother, and grandfather were among the victims of the tragic shooting last month.

Why it matters

The heartbreaking story highlights the resilience and strength of the young athlete, who was able to channel his grief into an inspirational performance on the ice. The shooting has deeply impacted the local community, raising awareness about gun violence and the need for improved safety measures at public facilities.

The details

Colin Dorgan, a player for the Blackstone Valley Co-Op high school hockey team, scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to defeat Portsmouth and advance his team to the Rhode Island Division 2 hockey final. This comes just weeks after Dorgan's mother, Rhonda Dorgan, brother Aiden Dorgan, and grandfather Gerald Dorgan were killed in a shooting at the David Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.

  • The shooting incident occurred on February 16th.
  • Colin Dorgan scored the game-winning goal on March 12th.
  • The Rhode Island Division 2 hockey final will be held on March 18th.

The players

Colin Dorgan

A high school hockey player whose three family members were killed in a shooting at a Pawtucket ice rink. He scored the game-winning goal to send his team to the state championship.

Rhonda Dorgan

Colin Dorgan's mother, who was killed in the shooting at the Pawtucket ice rink.

Aiden Dorgan

Colin Dorgan's brother, who was killed in the shooting at the Pawtucket ice rink.

Gerald Dorgan

Colin Dorgan's grandfather, who was killed in the shooting at the Pawtucket ice rink.

Robert Dorgan

Colin Dorgan's father, who opened fire at the Pawtucket ice rink, killing three family members before taking his own life.

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What they’re saying

“The goal was the best moment of my life.”

— Colin Dorgan

What’s next

The Rhode Island Division 2 hockey final will be held on March 18th, where Colin Dorgan and the Blackstone Valley Co-Op team will compete for the state championship.

The takeaway

This tragic yet inspiring story highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable loss. Colin Dorgan's ability to channel his grief into an outstanding performance on the ice is a testament to the power of sports to provide solace and community during difficult times.