Colin Dorgan Skates into Rhode Island Division 2 Final After Family Killed in Pawtucket Shooting

On March 19, 2026, Colin Dorgan is scheduled to take the ice in the Rhode Island Division 2 boys' state championship, carrying the weight of a recent tragedy: his mother, brother and grandfather were killed in a shooting at an ice rink in Pawtucket while he was playing for the Blackstone Valley Co-op. Three seats in the arena will remain empty as the team and community confront the aftermath of the attack.

Police have identified the alleged shooter as Robert Dorgan and said the Feb. 16 incident was targeted. Authorities reported that ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and son Aidan Dorgan were fatally shot in the rink stands, and grandfather Gerald Dorgan was also wounded and later died. Two other people sustained severe injuries. Bystanders intervened during the chaotic scene, and the suspect later died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. Law enforcement statements note the suspect also used the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano.

Despite the loss, Dorgan remained team captain and helped the Co-op reach the state final, including scoring a double-overtime, game-winning goal in a recent playoff to set up a championship meeting with Lincoln High School. Head coach Chris Librizzi, a retired firefighter with more than 30 years of coaching experience, paused the program, organized 10 days of counseling and allowed players to decide whether to return; the roster elected to continue. Community solidarity has been visible—friends stitched hearts with initials onto jerseys and residents displayed hockey sticks outside homes—while players, coaches and supporters work toward healing.