Blackstone Valley Schools defeats Lincoln High 3-2 in four overtimes to win Rhode Island Division II boys ice hockey title
Blackstone Valley Schools won the Rhode Island Interscholastic League Division II boys ice hockey state championship with a 3-2 victory over Lincoln High School on March 19, 2026, after four overtime periods.[1][2]
Colin Dorgan scored the tying goal for Blackstone Valley with less than one minute remaining in the third period.[1][2] Dorgan had also scored the game-winning goal in double overtime the previous week to advance Blackstone Valley to the final.[1]
The championship came weeks after a shooting during a Blackstone Valley game at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Robert Dorgan, identified by police as the shooter, fatally shot his ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan, their son Aidan Dorgan, and Gerald Dorgan before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.[1][3]
Authorities stated that Robert Dorgan, who identified as transgender, also used the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano.[1][3]
Dorgan said after the game that he felt support from family, friends, and teammates throughout the playoffs. "Throughout all of the playoffs, even this game and the overtimes, I truly felt it in my heart and my soul that they're still with me," Dorgan said. "I love them so much."[1]
Blackstone Valley coach Chris Librizzi said the game held deeper meaning for his team. "It's just a game for Lincoln High School and for everybody that's coming here, but for us who lived through that shooting? It's our lives," Librizzi said.[1]
Librizzi gave players the option to step away after the shooting, but all returned. Dorgan credited his sister Ava for helping him resume playing.[1]
Sources
- Fox News Digital, "Colin Dorgan steps up for Rhode Island high school ice hockey team in championship after family tragedy", March 20, 2026, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/colin-dorgan-rhode-island-hockey-championship-shooting
- The Providence Journal, "Blackstone Valley rallies late, wins RI D-II hockey title in 4OT over Lincoln", March 20, 2026, https://www.providencejournal.com/story/sports/high-school/2026/03/20/blackstone-valley-rhode-island-hockey-championship/70123456007/
- WJAR NBC 10, "Pawtucket arena shooting: Father kills family members, self; identified as transgender", March 2, 2026, https://turnto10.com/news/local/pawtucket-ice-rink-shooting-robert-dorgan-rhonda-aidan-gerald-dennis-lynch-arena-march-1-2026
