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In the heart of Providence, Rhode Island, the echoes of triumph filled the arena as Colin Dorgan, a high school senior, stood amidst a jubilant crowd celebrating his hockey team’s championship victory. The win, clinched by a dramatic goal in the fourth overtime, was a testament to determination and skill. Yet, amid the cheers, three seats remained poignantly vacant.
These seats were meant for Dorgan’s mother, brother, and grandfather, who tragically lost their lives in a shooting that occurred while Dorgan was engaged in another game with his Blackstone Valley Co-op teammates. Their absence cast a shadow over what should have been one of the brightest moments in Dorgan’s young career.
The incident sent ripples through the tight-knit hockey community, leaving many to question the future of the high school hockey season. Despite the tragedy, Dorgan showed remarkable resilience, not only continuing to lead his team as captain but also playing a crucial role in their ascent to the Division 2 boys’ state championship, culminating in a 3-2 victory on Wednesday.
The team’s journey has garnered national attention, particularly following Dorgan’s decisive goal in a double-overtime playoff game earlier this month, which secured their spot in the championship against Lincoln High School.
“For Lincoln High School, this is just another game,” Blackstone Valley head coach Chris Librizzi remarked with emotion before the match. “But for us, who have endured the aftermath of that shooting, it’s a testament to our collective strength and healing.” Librizzi’s words were underscored by tears, reflecting the deep impact of the tragedy on the team and their community.
A rowdy crowd in the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence applauded, cried and held their breath for three tense periods before Dorgan tied the score, leading to four nerve-wracking overtime periods. Finally Blackstone Valley’s Jaxon Boyes netted the winning goal.
The ending was a much-needed catharsis for a team that has grappled with grief and trauma for weeks.
Police have identified Robert Dorgan as the shooter who killed ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and son Aidan Dorgan on Feb. 16 in the stands of the ice rink in Pawtucket. Authorities say the shooting was targeted. Colin Dorgan’s grandfather Gerald Dorgan was also shot and later died from his wounds, and two others were severely injured.
The chaotic attack was stopped after a handful of bystanders rushed the shooter as the crowd fled. Robert Dorgan, who police say also went by the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano, ultimately died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Librizzi, a retired firefighter who has coached hockey for more than 30 years, struggled with what to do in the aftermath. The team took some time off, and the coach made sure they participated in 10 days of counseling sessions.
He also gave each player the option of not returning to play, while encouraging anyone who made that choice to still show up on the bench or in the stands to support the team.
Despite some initial hesitation, every player came back — including Dorgan, who took the longest to decide.
“I sent Colin a text saying, ‘Bud, playoffs are this Friday night, it’s your call,” Librizzi said. “He didn’t respond all day, but at about 9 o’clock at night, he sent me a text saying, ‘Coach I’ll see you tomorrow at practice.’”
The process has not been perfect. Librizzi had to stop the first practice back several times due to players being rattled. There have been tears, from the coach to family members to even unconnected people following the team from afar. Meanwhile questions remain about what life looks after the championship game.
Librizzi is in awe of his team and the outpouring of support from the hockey community in a time of need. Friends volunteered to stitch hearts with the initials of the three who died on the front of the team’s jerseys, and many Rhode Islanders are displaying hockey sticks outside their homes in solidarity.
“We’re all still struggling with it,” Librizzi said. “We just need to be family with each other, we need to be supportive of each other moving forward and to heal from this.”