A Rhode Island hockey player, Colin Dorgan, whose family lost their lives in a tragic incident involving his father, honored them by scoring the decisive goal that propelled his team into the championship. This heart-wrenching event occurred during a game last month.
Playing as captain for Blackstone Valley School, Dorgan netted the game-winning goal in a thrilling double overtime match on Wednesday night in Providence. His teammates quickly surrounded him on the ice, celebrating their advancement to the Division 2 finals.
The senior defenseman proudly wears a patch on his jersey featuring the initials of his mother, brother, and grandfather. He described the moment as “the best of my life,” as reported by local media.
Dorgan, who competes for the Blackstone Valley co-op team while attending North Providence High School, found himself positioned perfectly for a breakaway after receiving a lead pass. With just 48 seconds remaining in double overtime, he shot the puck past the goalie.
“My good buddy passed me the puck, and I could hear the crowd. It felt surreal,” Dorgan shared with the press after the game.
Emotions ran high as Blackstone Valley’s head coach, Chris Librizzi, was visibly moved when Dorgan’s teammates congratulated him.
“When the floodgates opened, I couldn’t help but cry like a baby,” Librizzi said. “Seeing him in that moment, it was like he was destined for it.”
Tragically, on February 16, during a game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Dorgan’s father, Robert, opened fire in the stands, resulting in the deaths of his ex-wife, Rhonda; their adult son, Aidan; and Dorgan’s grandfather, Gerald Dougan.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Gerald’s wife and a family friend suffered serious injuries. Robert, who identifies as transgender, subsequently took his own life.
Details surfaced later revealing that the 56-year-old had recently undergone gender reassignment surgery, and his identity along with a freewheeling lifestyle led to various family court disputes preceding the chaos.
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Colin Dorgan has since expressed gratitude for the support he received from his teammates during this incredibly difficult time. “It’s crucial for us to come together. We’re all going through a tough time, and we really stand by each other,” he noted, referring to them as his brothers.
Coach Librizzi revealed that he and his sister, Eva, took Dorgan in after his family’s loss. “During those 14 days, we met every day to skate, train, and eat together. I believe that helped a lot,” he said.
Fans at Providence College’s Schneider Arena erupted in applause following Dorgan’s goal. Reports indicate that he celebrated by embracing his supporters, expressing, “Let’s go,” in a moment of pure joy.
“I know the love is out there for me, and I love them back,” Dorgan added, reflecting on the collective support around him.
