Blackstone Valley Co-op wins state championship weeks after deadly shooting
By John Atwater, Emily Maher
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NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WCVB) — The Blackstone Valley Co-op hockey team won the Rhode Island Division 2 state title on Wednesday, weeks after their team suffered the unimaginable.
On Feb. 16, Robert Dorgan shot and killed multiple family members and injured others before turning the gun on himself at one of Blackstone Valley’s games in Pawtucket.
Colin, Dorgan’s son, was on the ice when the shooting happened.
Blackstone played a talented Lincoln High School Wednesday night in a game that went to four overtimes.
Down 2-0 in the third period, Dorgan scored the game tying goal in regulation to force the first overtime.
After three more grueling periods, Jaxon Boyes potted the game winner to secure the championship.
“It’s nothing short of absolutely amazing what happened,” Dorgan said. “I couldn’t have done it without these people next to me. Just the fact that we bonded so closely after that event, I think it’s incredible.”
Wednesday’s championship win was more than just a trophy for the Blackstone Valley locker room.
“We’ve been through so much,” said head coach Chris Librizzi. “To everybody else, it’s just a game, but it’s not just a game, it’s real life to us.”
The tragedy brought the team closer together.
The team wore the initials of the family members Colin lost on their jerseys, solidifying a bond that can never be broken.
“Right here right on my chest – they’re with me every step of the way,” said Dorgan. “I felt it every step of the way, they are still with me. I love them so much and they’re still here, and I know it.”
“We won this tournament because of love. We won it because of love and we’re a family,” said Librizzi.
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