R.I. Hockey Team Overcomes Adversity, Wins Championship with Love

Blackstone Valley Co-op captured the Division II state hockey crown on March 18, 2026. They defeated Lincoln High, 3-2, in quadruple overtime at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Colin Dorgan scored the late tying goal in the third period.

The title arrived about a month after a deadly shooting in Pawtucket affected the team deeply. Family members Rhonda and Aidan Dorgan and grandfather Gerald Dorgan died in the aftermath. Pawtucket police have not released updates on Linda Dorgan’s condition.

Tributes and ceremony

Pretime ceremonies included Pawtucket first responders joining the team on the ice. Country singer Billy Gilman performed the national anthem. Players wore red-heart patches bearing the victims’ initials, and a bench sign read “Strength in our sticks.”

Road to the title

The Rhode Island Interscholastic League briefly paused games after the shooting. Blackstone held counseling sessions as players processed grief and prepared to return.

Colin Dorgan had scored a double-overtime winner to reach the championship the previous week. In the final, Blackstone trailed by two goals after two periods and rallied in the third.

Coach and team response

Head coach Chris Librizzi praised the community’s support and the squad’s close bond. He said love and solidarity helped drive the team’s effort on and off the ice. The R.I. team overcame adversity and captured the title, bolstered by community love and support.

Looking ahead

Librizzi acknowledged the challenge of life after the season and the shooting. He emailed players and parents to schedule follow-up gatherings so the group can continue healing together. The coach vowed the program will try to remain a family as athletes move on to other sports.