The Rhode Island high school hockey team, Blackstone Valley Co-op, overcame a recent tragedy to win the Division 2 state championship in a dramatic and emotional victory. The team, seeded fifth, defeated No. 2 Lincoln in a nail-biting final that extended to four overtimes before securing a 3-2 win at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence.
Senior captain Colin Dorgan played a pivotal role in the team’s success. His late-game goal tied the match with about 30 seconds remaining in regulation time, energizing the team and fans alike. During the playoffs, Dorgan also scored the double-overtime winner in the semifinals, showcasing his critical impact on the team’s performance.
The victory came in the wake of a profoundly tragic event. Last month, during a Senior Day game at Rhode Island’s Dennis M. Lynch Arena, a mass shooting occurred in the stands. The shooter, identified by police as Robert Dorgan, fatally wounded three members of Colin Dorgan’s family—his mother, brother, and grandfather—and severely injured two others. Authorities have confirmed the attack was targeted.
The harrowing experience rattled the local hockey community deeply and cast uncertainty over the continuation of the season. Despite this, Colin Dorgan demonstrated remarkable resilience by returning to the ice. His leadership and performance throughout the playoffs served as a testament to his strength and determination amid grief.
Reflecting on his comeback, Dorgan shared that he initially felt nervous but drew profound encouragement from his teammates and support system. He often wore a heart patch on his jersey bearing the initials of his lost family members, symbolizing his ongoing connection to them. “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,” he said.
Blackstone Valley’s head coach, Chris Librizzi, a seasoned mentor and retired firefighter, was instrumental in guiding the team through the emotional aftermath. He organized counseling sessions spanning 10 days to help players process the trauma. Librizzi also gave players the option to opt out of returning to play while emphasizing team unity by encouraging them to support the players from the bench or stands.
In the end, every player chose to return to the ice, demonstrating solidarity and courage. Dorgan took the longest to decide but ultimately committed to continuing the season. Librizzi recalled his text exchange with Dorgan before the playoffs: “Bud, playoffs are this Friday night, it’s your call.” His heartfelt reply arrived hours later: “Coach I’ll see you tomorrow at practice.”
The collective perseverance of the Blackstone Valley Co-op players highlighted the powerful role of community and teamwork in overcoming tragedy. Their hard-fought state championship victory served both as a tribute to the victims and as a healing milestone for the team and their supporters.
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