In a poignant display of resilience and determination, high school hockey player Colin Dorgan scored a dramatic double-overtime game-winning goal on March 11, 2026, to propel his Blackstone Valley Co-op team to the Rhode Island Division 2 boys hockey championship game. This moment of triumph comes just weeks after a tragic shooting that claimed the lives of his mother, brother, and grandfather during a hockey game on February 16, 2026, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Colin wore a special patch on his jersey to honor his family members: his mother, Rhonda Dorgan, his brother, Aidan Dorgan, and his grandfather, Gerald Dorgan, who later died from injuries sustained in the attack. The shooter, identified as Robert Dorgan—who also went by the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano—reportedly targeted his family members in a horrifying act of violence before taking his own life. This tragic incident also left two other individuals seriously injured.
Following the shooting, Rhode Island high school sports were suspended for one week as the community mourned the loss of three beloved individuals. However, the Blackstone Valley team courageously returned to the ice, with players wearing jerseys adorned with hearts stitched onto them featuring the initials of the deceased family members. Their first game after the incident took place on March 7, 2026, where the team secured a playoff victory, culminating in their emotional win against Portsmouth High School.
Colin Dorgan expressed the significance of the moment by stating to WPRI-TV, "It was the greatest moment of my life," highlighting the emotional weight of scoring for his family and team. In a gripping overtime showdown, he achieved the game-winning goal on a breakaway, sealing a 3-2 victory for Blackstone Valley. This accomplishment not only advances the team to the championship game but also serves as a powerful reminder of the bonds of family and community support during difficult times.
The upcoming championship game is set for March 18, 2026, and the entire community is rallying around Colin and the team as they navigate their grief while striving for success on the ice. Law enforcement officials have praised the quick actions of bystanders who intervened during the chaos of the shooting, managing to contain the shooter amidst the panic that ensued as the crowd fled for safety.
Additionally, Rhonda Dorgan’s mother, Linda Dorgan, and a family friend, Thomas Geruso, were wounded in the attack, further underscoring the profound impact of this tragedy on the community. The Blackstone Valley team remains a symbol of resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity, illustrating the healing power of sport and teamwork. As the players don their jerseys with the heart patches, they carry the memories of their lost loved ones onto the rink, transforming their grief into motivation as they strive for victory.
