Nearly a month after losing three members of his family in a shooting at a Rhode Island ice rink, Colin Dorgan scored the winning goal in double overtime that helped knock the Blackstone Valley Co-op team out of the semifinals.
Providence, Rhode Island — High school hockey player Colin Dorgan wears a patch on his jersey in honor of his mother, brother and grandfather who were killed last month in Shooting at an ice rink in Rhode IslandHe scored the winning goal in double overtime to lead his team to the state championship game.
“It was the greatest moment of my life,” senior Colin Dorgan told WPRI-TV after Wednesday’s game.
Colin Dorgan was on the ice with his Blackstone Valley Co-op teammates when his mother and brothers, Rhonda Dorgan and Aidan Dorgan, were killed in a targeted attack during a hockey game on February 16 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Colin Dorgan’s grandfather, Gerald Dorgan, later died from his injuries, and two others were seriously injured.
Police identified the shooter as Robert Dorgan, who died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Robert Dorgan also used the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano, authorities said.
After the shooting, all Rhode Island high school sports were postponed for a week. However, Blackstone Valley returned to the ice for the first time since the deadly attack earlier this month, with players wearing hearts sewn onto the front of their jerseys with the initials of the three who died.
Coming off a playoff win on March 7, Blackstone Valley defeated Portsmouth 3-2 on Wednesday with Colin Dorgan scoring in double overtime.
The team will now play in the Rhode Island Division 2 boys hockey championship game on March 18.
Officials said the shooter was specifically targeting family members.
Law enforcement credited the many people who intervened quickly Stop the attack. At least three bystanders were able to contain the shooter in the stands while the crowd fled and ran around them.
Rhonda Dorgan’s mother, Linda Dorgan, and family friend Thomas Girosso were also injured.