Rhode Island high school hockey team rallies to championship after fatal ice rink shooting

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — As Colin Dorgan stood before a deafening crowd exploding in pride for his high school hockey team’s championship win, secured by a goal in an exhausting yet exhilarating quadruple overtime, three seats were noticeably empty in the Rhode Island arena

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — As Colin Dorgan stood before a deafening crowd exploding in pride for his high school hockey team’s championship win, secured by a goal in an exhausting yet exhilarating quadruple overtime, three seats were noticeably empty in the Rhode Island arena.

The high school senior’s mother, brother and grandfather should have been there to celebrate one of the most exciting moments in his hockey career, but that opportunity was robbed when all three were killed in a shooting that erupted while Dorgan was playing a game with his Blackstone Valley Co-op teammates.

The shooting rattled a close-knit hockey community, with many wondering whether and how the high school hockey season could continue. Yet in the weeks since, Dorgan not only repeatedly laced up his skates as team captain but performed so well that he helped propel his team to the Division 2 boys’ state championship, where they won Wednesday 3-2.

Police outside the arena where a shooting occurred in Pawtucket, R.I., on Feb. 16.Joseph Prezioso / AFP - Getty Images fileDorgan told reporters after the game that he was nervous about returning, but his team and support network helped him get off the couch and move forward. He pointed to the heart patch sewn on the front of his jersey with the initials of his lost family members.

“Throughout all of the playoffs, even this game and the overtimes, I truly felt it in my heart and my soul that they’re still with me,” Dorgan said. “I love them so much.”