PROVIDENCE, R.I.: The Blackstone Valley Co-op high school hockey team claimed a hard-fought 3-2 victory in the Division 2 state championship after an intense quadruple overtime match, offering a moment of triumph amid a community still reeling from tragedy. Three empty seats in the arena belonging to Colin Dorgan’s mother, brother, and grandfather served as a poignant reminder of a recent shooting that shook the team and supporters.
Colin Dorgan, captain of the team, led his teammates through a season overshadowed by grief. Following the targeted attack during a February 16 game in Pawtucket, which claimed the lives of his family members and left others injured, Dorgan returned to the ice, inspiring his team with resilience and focus.
The championship game against Lincoln High School saw Dorgan score a crucial goal to tie the score, leading to four grueling overtime periods before teammate Jaxon Boyes secured the winning goal. The victory became a cathartic moment, allowing players, coaches, and the community to celebrate together despite ongoing mourning.
Head Coach Chris Librizzi, a retired firefighter, supported the team through counseling sessions and flexible practice schedules, emphasizing mental health and collective healing. “We’re all still struggling with it. We just need to be family with each other,” Librizzi said, reflecting on the emotional journey.
Community support has been unwavering, with volunteers stitching memorial hearts on team jerseys and residents displaying hockey sticks outside their homes as a sign of solidarity. The championship win represents not just athletic achievement, but also resilience, unity, and hope for the Blackstone Valley community in the aftermath of loss.