Rhode Island High School Hockey Team Wins Championship After Tragedy

Blackstone Valley Co-op team rallies to victory after losing player's family members in ice rink shooting

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:19am

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The Blackstone Valley Co-op high school hockey team in Rhode Island won the Division 2 state championship just weeks after a shooting at their home ice rink killed the mother, brother, and grandfather of team captain Colin Dorgan. Despite the tragedy, Dorgan and his teammates persevered, with Dorgan scoring the game-tying goal in regulation to force overtime before the team ultimately won 3-2 in quadruple overtime.

Why it matters

The team's championship run has captured national attention, highlighting the resilience and strength of the close-knit hockey community in Rhode Island as they grapple with the aftermath of the devastating shooting that took the lives of three of their own. The story underscores the power of sports to provide healing and community in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

The details

On February 16, a shooting erupted at the Blackstone Valley Co-op's home ice rink, killing Colin Dorgan's mother Rhonda, brother Aidan, and grandfather Gerald. The shooter, identified as Robert Dorgan, Colin's father, also severely injured two others before dying by apparent suicide. In the weeks that followed, the team took time off for counseling, but every player ultimately returned to the ice, including Dorgan, who was initially hesitant. The team's run to the championship, led by Dorgan's heroics, has provided a much-needed catharsis for the grieving community.

  • The shooting occurred on February 16.
  • The Blackstone Valley Co-op team won the Division 2 state championship on March 19, 2026.

The players

Colin Dorgan

The high school senior and team captain whose mother, brother, and grandfather were killed in the shooting at the ice rink.

Chris Librizzi

The Blackstone Valley Co-op head coach, a retired firefighter who has coached hockey for over 30 years.

Ava Dorgan

Colin Dorgan's sister, who was present at the shooting but uninjured, and helped push her brother to return to the ice.

Jaxon Boyes

The Blackstone Valley Co-op player who scored the game-winning goal in quadruple overtime to secure the championship.

Robert Dorgan

The shooter, identified as Colin Dorgan's father, who killed Colin's mother, brother, and grandfather before dying by apparent suicide.

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What they’re saying

“Throughout all of the playoffs, even this game and the overtimes, I truly felt it in my heart and my soul that they're still with me. I love them so much.”

— Colin Dorgan, Team Captain

“It's just a game for Lincoln High School and for everybody that's coming here, but for us who lived through that shooting? It's our lives. It's a tragedy we all went through and are still healing from it.”

— Chris Librizzi, Head Coach

“She's very tough, she's a tough girl. And I thank her, because she just totally filled the shoes of my mom.”

— Colin Dorgan, Team Captain

What’s next

The team and community will continue to grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy, seeking healing and support as they move forward.

The takeaway

The Blackstone Valley Co-op hockey team's championship victory in the face of unimaginable tragedy demonstrates the power of sports to provide solace, community, and a path forward for those dealing with profound loss and trauma.