Rhode Island Hockey Team Wins State Title After Deadly Rink Shooting

Blackstone Valley Co-op overcomes tragedy to capture Division 2 championship in emotional victory.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 7:18pm

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The Blackstone Valley Co-op hockey team in Rhode Island won the Division 2 state championship just weeks after a deadly shooting at one of their games left multiple family members dead. The team, led by Colin Dorgan whose father was the shooter, rallied together and defeated Lincoln High School in a dramatic four-overtime thriller to claim the title.

Why it matters

The championship win is more than just a trophy for the Blackstone Valley team, as they have endured unimaginable tragedy and loss. The shooting at their home rink brought the team closer together, and their victory represents resilience, community, and the power of sports to help heal in the face of trauma.

The details

On February 16, Robert Dorgan, the father of Blackstone Valley player Colin Dorgan, shot and killed multiple family members and injured others before turning the gun on himself at one of the team's games in Pawtucket. Despite this horrific event, the Blackstone Valley team bonded together and made it to the state championship game against Lincoln High School. After falling behind 2-0 in the third period, Colin Dorgan scored the game-tying goal to force overtime. The game went to four overtimes before Jaxon Boyes scored the championship-winning goal for Blackstone Valley.

  • On February 16, the shooting incident occurred at a Blackstone Valley hockey game.
  • On March 19, the Blackstone Valley Co-op hockey team won the Rhode Island Division 2 state championship.

The players

Robert Dorgan

The father of Blackstone Valley player Colin Dorgan, who shot and killed multiple family members and injured others before taking his own life at one of the team's games.

Colin Dorgan

A player for the Blackstone Valley Co-op hockey team whose father was the shooter in the tragic incident at their home rink.

Jaxon Boyes

The player who scored the championship-winning goal for Blackstone Valley in the four-overtime thriller against Lincoln High School.

Chris Librizzi

The head coach of the Blackstone Valley Co-op hockey team.

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What they’re saying

“It's nothing short of absolutely amazing what happened. I couldn't have done it without these people next to me. Just the fact that we bonded so closely after that event, I think it's incredible.”

— Colin Dorgan, Player

“We've been through so much. To everybody else, it's just a game, but it's not just a game, it's real life to us.”

— Chris Librizzi, Head Coach

“Right here, right on my chest, they're with me every step of the way. I felt it every step of the way — they are still with me. I love them so much, and they're still here, and I know it.”

— Colin Dorgan, Player

“We won this tournament because of love. We won it because of love, and we're a family.”

— Chris Librizzi, Head Coach

What’s next

The team plans to hold a special ceremony to honor the victims of the shooting at their next home game.

The takeaway

The Blackstone Valley Co-op hockey team's championship victory in the wake of such a tragic event is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the healing properties of sports. Their story serves as an inspiration to others who have endured unimaginable hardship.