On March 18, Blackstone Valley Schools’ hockey team emerged victorious in a Rhode Island state championship held in Providence. Head coach Chris Librizzi attributed their success to “angels” watching over them. For player Colin Dorgan, these angels were his deceased family members.
Seventeen-year-old Colin faced a personal tragedy in February when his father, Robert Dorgan, also known as Roberta, fatally shot three family members during his senior day game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Victims included Colin’s mother, Rhonda, his brother, Aidan, and his grandfather, Gerald. His grandmother, Linda, and family friend Thomas Geruso were also injured in the incident. Robert subsequently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
After the championship game, Colin expressed to reporters that he felt the presence of his late family members throughout the playoffs, saying, “I truly felt it in my heart and my soul that they’re still with me, and I think that I love them so much, and they’re still here and I know it.” He also pointed to a heart patch on his jersey, embroidered with his loved ones’ initials, and said, “I love them so much.”
In the championship match, Colin scored a crucial goal with just 30 seconds left against Lincoln, pushing the game into overtime, where his team secured the win. Describing the moment, he said, “My good buddy fed me the puck and I could hear the crowd. It was a surreal moment,” expressing that it was the “greatest moment of my life.”
This victory came just a month after the shooting incident on February 16, which occurred only five miles from the American Mutual Pavilion, the venue for the state title game.
The City of Pawtucket issued a statement expressing solidarity with those affected by the tragic event at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena, acknowledging the community’s shock, fear, and anxiety due to the violence.
The statement also assured that the city was collaborating with local partners and mental health professionals to offer counseling and support services, encouraging players, students, families, and staff to seek assistance during this challenging time.
After the tragedy, Coach Librizzi gave his players the choice to leave the team, but all, including Colin, chose to continue playing. Librizzi recounted, “I sent Colin a text saying, ‘Bud, playoffs are this Friday night, it’s your call.’” Although Colin did not respond immediately, around 9 p.m., he confirmed his commitment by texting, “Coach, I’ll see you tomorrow at practice,” as reported by the New York Post.
