Hockey Player Scores Game-Winning Goal After Losing Family Members

Colin Dorgan's double-overtime goal sends his team to the state championship game just weeks after a tragic shooting.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:20am

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Colin Dorgan, a high school hockey player in Rhode Island, scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to send his team to the state championship game. This comes just weeks after Dorgan lost his mother, brother, and grandfather in a deadly shooting at his team's home rink.

Why it matters

The shooting that claimed the lives of Dorgan's family members rocked the local community and the high school hockey world. Dorgan's heroic performance and his team's support for him in the aftermath of the tragedy have inspired many and highlighted the power of sports to help people heal.

The details

In the clinching game of the Division 2 quarterfinals last week, Dorgan scored two goals to help his team, the Blackstone Valley Schools Co-op, advance to the semifinals against Portsmouth. On Wednesday, with 39 seconds left in double overtime, Dorgan took the puck in the neutral zone and scored the game-winning goal to send his team to the state championship game.

  • On February 16, Dorgan's mother, brother, and grandfather were killed in a shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.
  • On February 25, Dorgan's grandfather, Gerald Dorgan, died from his injuries sustained in the shooting.
  • On March 12, Dorgan scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to send his team to the state championship game.
  • The Division 2 final is scheduled for March 18 in Providence against Lincoln High School.

The players

Colin Dorgan

A high school hockey player whose mother, brother, and grandfather were killed in a shooting at his team's home rink last month. Dorgan scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to send his team to the state championship game.

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 died from his injuries sustained in the shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena on February 25.

Robert Dorgan

Colin Dorgan's father, who was identified as the shooter and died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

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What they’re saying

“It was the greatest moment of my life”

— Colin Dorgan

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

— Chris Librizzi, Blackstone Valley Schools head coach

“We got together every single day. We skated, worked out, or had dinner at night together for 14 days straight. I believe that made a difference.”

— Chris Librizzi, Blackstone Valley Schools head coach

“I know every person out there loves me, and I love them too. Hopefully we win the championship.”

— Colin Dorgan

What’s next

The Division 2 final is scheduled for March 18 in Providence against Lincoln High School.

The takeaway

Dorgan's resilience and his team's support for him in the aftermath of the tragedy have inspired many and highlighted the power of sports to help people heal during difficult times.