Hockey Player Scores Overtime Winner After Losing 3 Family Members

Colin Dorgan leads his team to the championship game just one month after tragedy

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:37pm

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Less than a month after losing his mother, brother, and grandfather in a mass shooting, 17-year-old Colin Dorgan scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to send his Blackstone Valley hockey team to the Rhode Island Division 2 championship game. Dorgan's teammates have rallied around him since the tragedy, wearing jerseys with hearts and the initials of his deceased family members.

Why it matters

This story highlights the resilience and strength of the Blackstone Valley hockey community in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Dorgan's ability to push through his grief and lead his team to the championship game just one month after losing three close family members is an inspiring example of the power of sports to help people cope with trauma.

The details

In the March 11 semifinal game, Dorgan scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to defeat Portsmouth 3-2 and advance his team to the championship. Dorgan's teammates have been incredibly supportive, wearing jerseys with hearts and the initials of his deceased family members. The team paused play for nearly three weeks after the shooting, but Librizzi said they "got together every single day" to offer Dorgan support, whether it was skating, working out, or having dinner together.

  • On February 16, Dorgan's mother Rhonda, brother Aidan, and grandfather Gerald were killed in a shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
  • Rhode Island high school sports were postponed for one week following the shooting.
  • Blackstone Valley's hockey team paused play for nearly three weeks after the tragedy.
  • On March 11, Dorgan scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to defeat Portsmouth 3-2 and advance his team to the Rhode Island Division 2 championship game.

The players

Colin Dorgan

A 17-year-old hockey player for the Blackstone Valley Co-op team whose mother, brother, and grandfather were killed in a mass shooting last month.

Chris Librizzi

The head coach of the Blackstone Valley Co-op hockey team, who said the team "got together every single day" to offer Dorgan support following the tragedy.

Rhonda Dorgan

Colin Dorgan's mother, who was killed in the shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena on February 16.

Aidan Dorgan

Colin Dorgan's brother, who was killed in the shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena on February 16.

Gerald Dorgan

Colin Dorgan's grandfather, who was killed in the shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena on February 16.

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What they’re saying

“It was the greatest moment of my life. My good buddy fed me the puck and I could hear the crowd. It was a surreal moment.”

— Colin Dorgan

“I literally cried like a baby. The floodgates opened.”

— Chris Librizzi, Head Coach, Blackstone Valley Co-op

“It's a hard time for everyone. We have each other's back and we truly love each other. We have to stick together.”

— Colin Dorgan

What’s next

The Blackstone Valley Co-op hockey team will compete in the Rhode Island Division 2 championship game on March 18.

The takeaway

Dorgan's ability to push through unimaginable grief and lead his team to the championship game just one month after losing three close family members is a testament to the power of sports and community to help people cope with trauma. This story serves as an inspiring example of resilience in the face of tragedy.