Doran’s Hat Trick Powers Valley Co-op to Championship Win

Doran’s Hat Trick Powers Valley Co-op to Championship Win

In a story that has captured the hearts of many, the Blackstone Valley Co-op hockey team has won the Rhode Island D2 championship, led by the incredible resilience of their captain, Colin Doran. This victory comes just weeks after a tragic shooting shattered the community and claimed the lives of Doran’s mother, brother, and grandfather. The team’s journey to the finals and ultimate triumph is a testament to their strength and the power of sports to unite and heal.

A Community in Mourning, A Team’s Choice

The tragedy struck last month during Blackstone Valley Co-op’s senior day game. A shooting erupted, leaving three people dead: Rhonda, Aiden, and Gerald Dorgan. The shooter was Colin Doran’s father, who died by suicide at the scene. The community was left reeling from the unimaginable loss.

Coach Chris Lebreezy gave his team time away and offered counseling. Players had the choice to continue playing or not. Ultimately, every player decided to return to the ice. Doran, the last player Lebreezy heard from, responded to a text about the upcoming playoffs with a simple, powerful message: “Coach, I’ll see you tomorrow at practice.” This showed his determination to play through immense grief.

Doran’s Heroics Lead the Way

Colin Doran, who had scored just two goals in his entire high school career before this stretch, suddenly found his scoring touch when his team needed it most. In the decisive game of their best-of-three quarterfinal series, Doran matched his career total, scoring two crucial goals to send Blackstone Valley to the Rhode Island D2 semi-finals.

The momentum continued. Against Portsmouth in a double-overtime thriller, Doran scored the game-winning goal on a breakaway. He later described it as “the greatest moment of my life.” This victory propelled them to the championship game.

Championship Glory Amidst Heartbreak

The championship game saw Blackstone Valley facing the number two ranked Lincoln in downtown Providence. Trailing late in the game with only 30 seconds left on the clock, it was captain Colin Doran who scored the equalizing goal, forcing overtime.

The game went into a second overtime period. After losing so much that can never be replaced, the team battled with incredible spirit. Then, in four overtimes, Jackson Boys scored the game-winning goal, securing the championship for Blackstone Valley Co-op.

A Captain’s Faith and a Community’s Hope

After the win, Colin Doran spoke about who he felt was with him on the ice. He described them as “angels,” echoing his coach’s sentiments. “Right here, right on my chest and on my shoulders,” Doran said, referring to the patches on his team sweaters. “I think they’re with me every step of the way.”

“I think I truly felt it in my heart, in my soul that they’re still with me. And I think that I love them so much and they’re still here and I know it.”

Scott Van Pelt, dedicating his “One Big Thing” segment to this story, acknowledged the difficulty of finding meaning in such senseless tragedy. “So here’s to a group of teenagers in Rhode Island who honored themselves and those lost simply by continuing on and now have this to hold on to forever,” Van Pelt stated. He offered a final tribute to Doran: “May those you lost live in your heart and your soul forever.”

Looking Ahead

The Blackstone Valley Co-op’s championship win is more than just a sports victory. It’s a symbol of resilience, a testament to the power of community, and a moving tribute to the lives lost. For Colin Doran and his teammates, this championship will forever be a reminder of their strength and the enduring love for their family and friends. The season may be over, but the lessons learned and the memories made will last a lifetime.

Source: Scott Van Pelt dedicates One Big Thing to Colin Dorgan & Blackstone Valley Co-op | SC with SVP (YouTube)