Teen Hockey Player Scores Overtime Winner After Losing Family in Rink Shooting
In an emotionally charged moment of triumph, high school senior hockey player Colin Dorgan scored a game-winning goal in double overtime, advancing his Blackstone Valley Co-op team out of the semifinals. This victory came nearly a month after Dorgan lost his mother, brother, and grandfather in a targeted shooting at a Rhode Island ice rink.
A Patch of Remembrance and a Heartfelt Victory
Colin Dorgan wore a patch on his jersey during Wednesday's game, honouring the three family members he lost in the Pawtucket, Rhode Island, ice rink shooting on February 16. His mother, Rhonda Dorgan, and brother, Aidan Dorgan, were killed in the attack, while his grandfather, Gerald Dorgan, later died from his injuries. Two others were severely injured in the incident.
After the shooting, all Rhode Island high school sports were postponed for a week. When Blackstone Valley returned to the ice earlier this month, players donned hearts stitched on the front of their jerseys with the initials of all three victims. The team secured a playoff victory on March 7, setting the stage for Wednesday's dramatic match against Portsmouth.
The Greatest Moment of My Life
In a tense double-overtime period, Colin Dorgan scored on a breakaway, securing a 3-2 victory for Blackstone Valley. "It was the greatest moment of my life," Dorgan told WPRI-TV, reflecting on the emotional win that blended personal grief with athletic achievement.
Officials have stated that the shooter was specifically targeting family members. Police identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan, who died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Robert Dorgan also went by the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano, according to authorities.
Bystander Intervention and Ongoing Impact
Law enforcement has credited several bystanders who intervened to quickly stop the attack. At least three individuals were able to contain the shooter in the middle of the stands as the crowd fled around them. This swift action likely prevented further casualties.
In addition to the three fatalities, Rhonda Dorgan's mother, Linda Dorgan, and a family friend, Thomas Geruso, were also wounded in the shooting. The community continues to grapple with the aftermath, as the hockey team's journey serves as a poignant symbol of resilience and remembrance in the face of tragedy.
