Hockey Player Scores Winning Goal After Family Tragedy

Colin Dorgan leads his team to state championship weeks after losing family in mass shooting

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:05pm

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High school hockey player Colin Dorgan has led his team to Rhode Island's Division II state championships just weeks after losing his brother, mother, and grandfather in a mass shooting incident. Despite the tragedy, Dorgan scored the winning goal in double overtime to clinch the 3-2 victory for his team, Blackstone Valley Co-op.

Why it matters

This story highlights Dorgan's resilience and ability to overcome personal tragedy to achieve athletic success. It also sheds light on the impact of gun violence and the importance of community support in helping individuals cope with traumatic events.

The details

Dorgan lost his family members at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on February 16, when a 'family dispute' led to a man opening fire in what police called a murder-suicide event. The killer was later identified as transgender man Dennis M. Lynch. Despite the horrendous crime, Dorgan rose above his personal tragedy to help his team reach the state championships, scoring two goals, including the game-winner in double overtime.

  • On February 16, Dorgan's family members were killed in a mass shooting incident.
  • On March 12, Dorgan led his team to a 3-2 victory in the Division II state championships.
  • Blackstone Valley Co-op will now head to the D-2 final on March 18 at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island.

The players

Colin Dorgan

A high school senior and hockey player for Blackstone Valley Co-op who lost his brother, mother, and grandfather in a mass shooting incident, but still led his team to the state championships.

Chris Librizzi

The coach of the Blackstone Valley Co-op hockey team, who helped the team bond and support Dorgan in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Dennis M. Lynch

The transgender man who perpetrated the mass shooting that killed Dorgan's family members at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

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What they’re saying

“The biggest thing for us after the tragedy took place was to keep them together as a family. I was with [Colin] every single day, and his sister, and we as a group, as well, got together for 14 days straight. And I believe it made a difference. The bonding that this team went through every day the last two weeks has been nothing less than superior.”

— Chris Librizzi, Coach

“The greatest moment of my life.”

— Colin Dorgan

What’s next

Blackstone Valley Co-op will compete in the D-2 final on March 18 at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates the power of resilience and community support in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Despite the devastating loss of his family, Colin Dorgan's determination and the support of his team and coach have allowed him to channel his grief into athletic success, inspiring others and highlighting the importance of mental health resources for those impacted by gun violence.