On Wednesday evening, the ice hockey athlete, who grieved the loss of three relatives in a horrific incident of gun violence at a Rhode Island ice arena last month, emerged as a valiant figure for his squad.
A senior, Colin Dorgan, netted a goal on a solo rush during a second extra period, thereby propelling Blackstone Valley Co-op past Portsmouth and securing their spot in the Rhode Island Division 2 ice hockey championship match.
“The most remarkable instant of my existence,” Dorgan remarked to WPRI TV after his crucial score prompted his fellow players to flood the ice surface in jubilant commemoration and supporters at Schneider Arena in Providence erupted in vociferous approbation.
Four weeks prior, Dorgan’s brother, mother, and grandfather tragically perished when an assailant, named as Robert Dorgan, discharged a firearm at attendees during Blackstone Valley’s Senior Day game at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Authorities stated that the shooter, who later succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot injury, had deliberately aimed at specific family members. Two additional individuals were gravely wounded.
Subsequent to the tragic event, all scholastic sports across Rhode Island were rescheduled for a duration of seven days. Blackstone Valley’s team remained inactive for almost twenty-one days, eventually resuming play on the rink for the commencement of the D-2 quarterfinal rounds late in the previous week. Each player on the squad now sports a heart embroidered on the forepart of their jerseys, with the monograms of the three individuals who passed away embedded therein.
In the decisive match of that quarterfinal series, played over a maximum of three games, Dorgan netted two goals for the No. 5-seed Blackstone Valley, thereby paving the way for the squad to return to the rink for the semifinals on Wednesday evening.
“Our foremost priority after the calamity transpired was to maintain their cohesion as a close-knit unit,” coach Chris Librizzi informed WPRI. He continued, “I spent time with (Colin) daily, as did his sister, and as a group, we convened for two consecutive weeks. I firmly believe this yielded a positive impact. The camaraderie that this team developed daily over the past fortnight has been exceptionally outstanding.”
This dedication became manifest during their game against highest-ranked Portsmouth, as Dorgan sealed the unexpected victory with his game-winning goal in double overtime.
“Every single one of them out here is like a kinsman to me,” he expressed to WPRI. “I hold deep affection for these youngsters, and I am certain they reciprocate my affection.”
Librizzi further remarked regarding the fabled conclusion: “Could there be a more perfect outcome, truly?”
The Division 2 championship game is slated for the following Wednesday, to be held at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence.