A Rhode Island high school hockey team, present on the ice during a mass shooting incident in the stands last month, concluded its season by securing a state championship on Wednesday.
The fifth-seeded Blackstone Valley Co-op claimed the Division 2 championship against second-seeded Lincoln in a thrilling contest, evening the score near the end of regulation before clinching a 3-2 victory in the fourth overtime, sparking immense jubilation among fans at Providence’s Amica Mutual Pavilion.
Colin Dorgan once more proved to be central to the team’s playoff triumph.
During a Senior Day game last month at Rhode Island’s Dennis M. Lynch Arena, played by Colin Dorgan and his Blackstone Valley Co-op teammates, a shooting occurred which resulted in the deaths of his mother, brother, and grandfather. Law enforcement identified Robert Dorgan as the assailant responsible for the Feb. 16 deaths of his ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and son, Aidan Dorgan, in the stands. Investigators indicated the attack was deliberate. Colin Dorgan’s grandfather, Gerald Dorgan, also sustained gunshot wounds and later succumbed, while two other individuals suffered serious injuries.
This devastating event deeply impacted the tightly-knit hockey community, prompting widespread concern about the continuation of the high school hockey season. Nevertheless, in the subsequent weeks, Dorgan, serving as team captain, consistently took to the ice and delivered such strong performances that he guided the team to the Division 2 final, notably scoring the winning goal in double overtime during last week’s semifinals.
During Wednesday’s championship game, Dorgan’s deflected shot leveled the score with approximately 30 seconds remaining. Jaxon Boyes, a teammate, secured the victory after four additional overtimes.
Following the game, Dorgan disclosed to reporters his initial apprehension about returning, crediting his team and support system with helping him overcome his reluctance and move forward. He highlighted the heart-shaped patch on his jersey, embroidered with the initials of his deceased family members.
“Throughout the entire playoff series, including this game and the overtime periods, I profoundly sensed in my heart and soul that they remain by my side,” Dorgan expressed. “My love for them is immense.”
The conclusion of the season provided a deeply needed emotional release for a team that had contended with sorrow and distress over many weeks.
The violent assault was halted when several onlookers confronted the assailant while other spectators dispersed. Robert Dorgan, also known to police as Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano, eventually succumbed to what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Chris Librizzi, the coach for Blackstone Valley and a retired firefighter with over three decades of hockey coaching experience, grappled with the appropriate course of action following the incident. The team took a break, and Librizzi ensured the players engaged in ten days of counseling sessions.
Additionally, he offered every player the choice to opt out of returning to play, yet urged those who chose not to play to still attend games, either on the bench or in the stands, to support their teammates.
Despite initial reluctance from some, every player ultimately returned, including Dorgan, who required the most time to make his decision.
“I messaged Colin, saying, ‘Buddy, playoffs are Friday evening, it’s entirely up to you,'” Librizzi recounted. “He didn’t reply for the whole day, but around 9 p.m. that night, he sent me a message stating, ‘Coach, I’ll be at practice tomorrow.'”
Details provided by The Associated Press contributed to this article.