Tragedy to triumph: Blackstone hockey wins first state title after loss
The Blackstone Valley Co-op hockey team has won its first-ever state title in the Rhode Island Division II tournament. Their victory comes after a season marked by tragedy, with captain Colin Dorgan losing three family members in a shooting last month. Despite the hardship, the team rallied together under coach Chris Librizzi to claim the championship.
On 26 February, Dorgan's mother, brother, and grandfather were killed during a game. The shock left the team and their coach reeling, requiring at least 10 consecutive days of counselling for both players and Librizzi. Yet Dorgan chose to return to the ice, even when no one would have blamed him for stepping away.
The captain's resilience showed in the playoffs. He scored four goals across three games, including the game-tying goal in the final and the winner in the semifinals. His leadership helped Blackstone secure the state title, a first in the programme's history. Support poured in from across the hockey world. The Boston Bruins invited the team to their practice facility, where players watched from the glass as the NHL stars took the ice. After the session, the Bruins congratulated Blackstone on their championship, staying behind for photos, autographs, and conversations. Librizzi has been a steady presence throughout the ordeal. The hockey community, too, has wrapped around the team, offering encouragement as they navigate grief and celebration in the same season.
Blackstone's championship run will be remembered for more than just the scoreboard. The team's bond and the wider hockey community's backing have carried them through unimaginable loss. Moving forward, they'll continue to rely on each other—and the sport that brought them together.
