Hockey Player Scores Winning Goal After Losing Family in Shooting

Colin Dorgan, whose mother, brother, and grandfather were killed in a targeted attack, advances his team to the semifinals with a double overtime goal.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 6:39pm

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High school hockey player Colin Dorgan, whose mother, brother, and grandfather were killed in a targeted shooting at a Rhode Island ice rink last month, scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to advance his team to the semifinals. Dorgan was wearing a jersey patch honoring his lost family members when he netted the decisive goal.

Why it matters

The tragic shooting at the Rhode Island ice rink shook the local community, and Dorgan's emotional game-winning goal provides a glimmer of hope and inspiration amidst the tragedy. The incident has also raised questions about security at youth sporting events and the need for better mental health resources.

The details

On February 16th, Colin Dorgan's mother Rhonda, brother Aidan, and grandfather Gerald were killed in a targeted attack during a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The suspected shooter, Robert Dorgan, died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Two others were also severely injured in the attack. 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 heart patches on their jerseys to honor the victims. In Wednesday's semifinal game, Colin Dorgan scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to advance his team.

  • The shooting occurred on February 16, 2026.
  • All Rhode Island high school sports were postponed for one week after the shooting.
  • Blackstone Valley returned to the ice earlier this month.
  • Colin Dorgan scored the game-winning goal in double overtime on March 12, 2026.

The players

Colin Dorgan

A high school senior hockey player whose mother, brother, and grandfather were killed in a targeted attack at a Rhode Island ice rink last month.

Rhonda Dorgan

Colin Dorgan's mother, who was killed in the targeted attack at the Rhode Island ice rink.

Aidan Dorgan

Colin Dorgan's brother, who was killed in the targeted attack at the Rhode Island ice rink.

Gerald Dorgan

Colin Dorgan's grandfather, who was killed in the targeted attack at the Rhode Island ice rink.

Robert Dorgan

The suspected 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

Law enforcement have credited several people who intervened and quickly stopped the attack, and officials have said the shooter was specifically targeting family members. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

The takeaway

Dorgan's emotional game-winning goal in the aftermath of this tragedy provides a glimmer of hope and inspiration to the local community, while also highlighting the need for improved security and mental health resources at youth sporting events to prevent such senseless acts of violence.