Hockey Player Scores Winning Goal After Losing Family in Shooting

Colin Dorgan's game-winning goal in double overtime advances his team to the next round of the playoffs.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:18pm

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High school hockey player Colin Dorgan scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to advance his team, the Blackstone Valley Co-op, in the playoffs. Dorgan was wearing a patch on his jersey honoring the three family members he lost in a targeted shooting at a Rhode Island ice rink last month.

Why it matters

The shooting at the Rhode Island ice rink was a tragic event that impacted the local hockey community. Dorgan's ability to return to the ice and score the winning goal in such an emotional situation is an inspiring story of resilience and perseverance.

The details

Colin Dorgan's mother, Rhonda Dorgan, and brother, Aidan Dorgan, were killed in the shooting at the ice rink on February 16. Dorgan's grandfather, Gerald Dorgan, later died from his injuries. Two others were also severely injured in the attack. The shooter, Robert Dorgan, died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. After the shooting, all Rhode Island high school sports were postponed for a week, but Blackstone Valley returned to the ice earlier this month, with players wearing hearts stitched on their jerseys with the initials of those who died.

  • The shooting occurred on February 16.
  • High school sports in Rhode Island were postponed for a week after the shooting.
  • Blackstone Valley returned to the ice earlier this month.
  • Dorgan scored the game-winning goal in double overtime on March 12.

The players

Colin Dorgan

A high school senior hockey player whose mother, brother, and grandfather were killed in the Rhode Island ice rink shooting.

Rhonda Dorgan

Colin Dorgan's mother, who was killed in the shooting.

Aidan Dorgan

Colin Dorgan's brother, who was killed in the shooting.

Gerald Dorgan

Colin Dorgan's grandfather, who later died from injuries sustained in the shooting.

Robert Dorgan

The shooter, who 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 (WPRI-TV)

What’s next

The Blackstone Valley Co-op team will advance to the next round of the playoffs following Dorgan's game-winning goal.

The takeaway

Dorgan's ability to return to the ice and score the winning goal in such an emotional situation is a testament to his resilience and the support of his team and community in the wake of the tragic shooting.