Morning Sports Update
“Greatest moment of my life.”
March 12, 2026 | 11:22 AM
3 minutes to read
Colin Dorgan’s goal: Just weeks after three members of his family were tragically killed in a shooting at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Colin Dorgan scored the game-winning goal for Blackstone Valley Co-op to send his team to the Rhode Island Division 2 hockey final.
Dorgan’s brother, mother, and grandfather were killed in a shooting at the Pawtucket arena in February on senior night by a person later identified as his mother’s ex-husband, Robert Dorgan — who also used the name Roberta and the surname Esposito.
Dealing with unspeakable tragedy, Dorgan has continued to stay with his hockey team even as games were postponed following the shooting. The team has now resumed games for the playoffs.
On Wednesday, with a spot in the final on the line, a tense game with Portsmouth went to double overtime tied 2-2. Dorgan, who had already scored earlier in the game, suddenly found himself on a breakaway. He calmly shot the puck past the Portsmouth goaltender, and Blackstone Valley were 3-2 winners.
What a moment. Colin Dorgan, wearing a patch on his chest with the initials of his mom, brother and grandfather, scores the game-winning goal in double overtime, sending his team to the championship. @KaylaFishTV @coreywelch
Don’t miss it tonight on 12 News. pic.twitter.com/N4bX8r5SBg
— WPRI 12 (@wpri12) March 12, 2026
“Greatest moment of my life,” Dorgan told WPRI’s Kayla Fish afterward.
His coach, Chris Librizzi, emphasized how the team has tried to make itself a source of support and comfort for Dorgan.
“The biggest thing for us after the tragedy took place was to keep them together as a family,” Librizzi told WPRI. “I was with [Colin] every single day, and his sister, and we as a group, as well, got together for 14 days straight. And I believe it made a difference. The bonding that this team went through every day the last two weeks has been nothing less than superior.”
The team now wear hearts stitched onto their jerseys that commemorate Dorgan’s family members who were killed in the shooting.
“These are all my brothers out here,” Dorgan said. “I love these kids, and I know they love me, too.”
Scores and schedules:
On Wednesday, the Fleet lost to the Torrent in Seattle 3-2. Boston will face the Victoire in Montreal on Friday at 1 p.m.
Tonight, the Bruins host the Sharks at 7 p.m.
And the Celtics will also be in action, facing the defending champion Thunder in Oklahoma City at 9:30 p.m.
On Saturday, Boston Legacy FC make their NWSL debut at Gillette Stadium against Gotham FC at 12:30 p.m.
And on Sunday, the Revolution face FC Cincinnati in their 2026 home opener at 2:30 p.m.
More from Boston.com:
Jayson Tatum’s motivation: The Celtics star discussed his view of how the rest of the team “attacked this season” even in his absence.
On this day: In 1985, Larry Bird dropped 60 points on the Hawks in a 126-115 Celtics win.
Daily highlight: Real Madrid triumphed over Manchester City 3-0 on Wednesday in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 thanks to a sensational hat-trick from Federico Valverde. His third goal was particularly enjoyable (unless you’re a City fan).
FEDE VALVERDE WITH AN INSANE TOUCH AND FINISH 🤯😮💨
HE HAS HIS FIRST HALF HAT-TRICK 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sqXhfKh4Dy
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 11, 2026
Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.
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