Sports
Pawtucket police and firefighters raise funds for hockey team after rink tragedy
Officers and firefighters returned to Dennis M. Lynch Arena for a charity game supporting the Blackstone Valley Schools co-op team, eight months after a shooting there killed three members of a player’s family. Fundraising will help outfit the team for its upcoming season.
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Pawtucket police officers and firefighters took the ice at Dennis M. Lynch Arena on Oct. 16 for a charity hockey game benefiting the Blackstone Valley Schools co-op team and the Dorgan family, eight months after a deadly shooting at the rink.
Police say Robert Dorgan opened fire during his son Colin’s high school hockey game on Feb. 16, killing Colin’s mother, Rhonda Dorgan; his brother, Aidan Dorgan; and his grandfather, Gerald Dorgan. Other family members and a family friend were injured.
The game pitted police officers against firefighters, including first responders who went to the arena during the shooting. Fire Capt. Jeff Johnson Jr. said the event was intended to show players that those who responded remain committed to supporting them.
Blackstone Valley coach Chris Librizzi said returning to the arena was emotional: it was only the team’s second time back since the shooting. He said he hopes new uniforms, bags and other equipment will give the players a fresh start. The team has raised about 70% of its fundraising goal, according to Librizzi.
The team went on to win its first state championship in March, with Colin Dorgan contributing during the playoff run. Librizzi said players are doing as well as can be expected and continue to receive community support and meet regularly for group therapy.
The experience has brought the coach closer to the players and their families, he said. The team is expected to return for the start of the high school hockey season on Nov. 30.