Bruins Host Hockey Team After Tragedy, Win State Title

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Blackstone Valley Co-op high school hockey team celebrated a Division 2 state championship Wednesday, defeating Lincoln 3-2 in four overtimes, a victory made profoundly poignant by a mass shooting that occurred just last month during a Senior Day game.

The win at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence capped a season marked by tragedy and resilience. Senior Colin Dorgan, captain of the team, experienced unimaginable loss when his mother, Rhonda Dorgan, his brother, Aidan Dorgan and his grandfather, Gerald Dorgan, were killed in a shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket on February 16th. Robert Dorgan, Colin’s father, was identified as the shooter and died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound that same day, according to police.

Despite the devastating loss, Dorgan continued to play for the team, becoming a central figure in their playoff run. He scored the tying goal with approximately 30 seconds remaining in Wednesday’s championship game, and teammate Jaxon Boyes ultimately secured the victory in the fourth overtime period.

“It’s really cool when we gain to see a local team like that come in and support us,” said Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman, who embraced Dorgan after learning of the team’s win during a visit to the Bruins’ practice facility on Monday. “Obviously, we’re doing the same for them and what they’ve been through.”

The Blackstone Valley team’s visit to the Bruins on Monday included a tour of the arena led by Bruins coach Marco Sturm, and an impromptu interaction with Bruins star David Pastrnak. “That was probably the best moment of the day,” Sturm said, emphasizing the unique bond within the hockey community. “This is what I love about hockey… nobody else would bring in a team like that and would show them around and capture time and talk to them. It’s always been that way and that’s why for me hockey is the best.”

The team’s success has been a source of strength for the wider Rhode Island hockey community, which was deeply shaken by the shooting. Blackstone Valley Co-op had been playing against Coventry/Johnson when the shooting occurred.

Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei, reflecting on the current playoff atmosphere, noted the intensity and enjoyment of competing at this level. He contrasted the current season with the previous year, when his team faced trades and injuries, and a postseason appearance was unlikely.

Tanner Jeannot, a Bruins winger, was absent from practice Tuesday with an undisclosed ailment, and his availability for the upcoming game against the Maple Leafs remains uncertain. The Bruins are scheduled to play in Buffalo on Wednesday against the Atlantic Division-leading Sabres.