Bruins Host Rhode Island Hockey Team After Tragedy | Boston.com
Brighton, MA – The Boston Bruins hosted the Blackstone Valley Co-op boys’ hockey team at Warrior Ice Arena on Monday, offering a moment of respite and celebration for the Rhode Island squad just weeks after a tragic shooting impacted their community. The Knights, recently crowned 2026 Rhode Island Division II State Champions, were welcomed to practice, spending time with Bruins players and coaches.
The visit comes after a harrowing month for the Blackstone Valley community. On February’s Senior Night, three family members of senior captain Colin Dorgan – his mother Rhonda, brother Aidan, and grandfather Gerald – were killed during a shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, while Dorgan was on the ice with his team. The shooter, Rhonda’s ex-husband, died by an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Despite the immense grief, the Blackstone Valley team persevered, culminating in a dramatic state championship victory. Dorgan scored the game-winning goal in the Division II semifinals against Portsmouth, and then tied the championship game against Lincoln High School with just 32 seconds remaining, forcing the game into quadruple overtime. Jaxon Boyes ultimately secured the win for the Knights, delivering their first state title.
“That’s our brother,” teammate Camden Governo said of Dorgan, as reported by Boston.com. “We love him more than anyone, and we’re keeping him in our hearts.”
Bruins players embraced the opportunity to connect with the team. Jeremy Swayman, the Bruins’ goalie, shared a hug with Dorgan during a local news interview and signed a jersey for captain and starting goalie Jacob Faria. “It’s really cool when you get to see a local team like that come in and support the guys,” Swayman said. “And obviously we’re doing the same for them [with] what they’ve been through. The hockey world is such a tight-knit community.”
Bruins head coach Marco Sturm emphasized the importance of the gesture, stating, “It’s a family, and whenever we get an opportunity like this, we really cherish it.” Sturm similarly highlighted the unique bond within the hockey community, noting that few other sports would extend such a welcome during a difficult time. “This represents what I love about hockey, right? About hockey teams, because we’re all the same,” Sturm said. “Nobody else…none of the other sports, not the basketball, football, nobody else at this time of year would bring in a team like that and would show them around and seize time and talk to them.”
The Blackstone Valley team was given a front-row seat to the Bruins’ practice, enthusiastically supporting the NHL players. Following practice, the Knights posed for a team photo with the Bruins, engaging in conversation and taking pictures.