RI Hockey Player Scores Game-Winning Goal After Family Tragedy

Colin Dorgan's team advances to championship game a month after his family members were killed in shooting

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:51am

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Colin Dorgan, a Rhode Island high school hockey player, scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to send his team, Blackstone Valley Schools, to the Division II championship game. This comes just a month after Dorgan's family members were tragically killed in a shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.

Why it matters

Dorgan's story highlights the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy. His ability to channel his grief into a game-winning performance for his team is an inspiring example of how sports can provide solace and community during difficult times.

The details

Dorgan scored two goals in the final game of the quarterfinal series earlier in the tournament, and his coach praised the team's bonding and togetherness in the aftermath of the tragedy. The championship game is set for March 18 in Providence.

  • On February 12, 2026, a shooter identified as Robert Dorgan fatally shot his ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan, their son Aidan Dorgan, and Dorgan's father Gerald Dorgan at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.
  • On March 12, 2026, Colin Dorgan scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to send his team to the Division II championship game.

The players

Colin Dorgan

A Rhode Island high school hockey player whose family members were tragically killed in a shooting last month. He scored the game-winning goal to send his team to the Division II championship game.

Chris Librizzi

The head coach of the Blackstone Valley Schools hockey team, who praised the team's bonding and togetherness in the aftermath of the tragedy involving Colin Dorgan's family.

Robert Dorgan

The shooter who fatally shot his ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan, their son Aidan Dorgan, and Dorgan's father Gerald Dorgan at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket. The shooter also died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

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What they’re saying

“Greatest moment of my life.”

— Colin Dorgan

“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, Blackstone Valley Coach

What’s next

The championship game is set for March 18 in Providence.

The takeaway

Dorgan's story is a powerful testament to the healing power of sports and community in the face of unimaginable tragedy. His resilience and determination to honor his family's memory by leading his team to the championship game is an inspiring example of the human spirit's ability to overcome even the darkest of circumstances.