ESPN’s upcoming SC Featured segment will air a deeply moving portrait of Colin Dorgan, a senior from Blackstone Valley who has turned a personal nightmare into a chance for redemption on the hockey rink.
A Return to the Ice
Just weeks before the Rhode Island state playoffs, Dorgan’s father committed an unspeakable act, fatally shooting his mother, his younger brother and his grandfather. In the aftermath, the teenager sent a terse text to his coach that read, “Coach I’ll see you tomorrow,” a simple promise that signaled his intention to lace up his skates again.
The feature, reported by veteran journalist Jeremy Schaap, weaves together interviews with Dorgan’s sister Ava, coach Chris Librizzi, and teammates like Jack Hughes, capturing how the small community rallied around the grieving teen. Their voices reveal a network of support that extended far beyond the locker room, offering meals, rides and a listening ear during the darkest days.
On the ice, Dorgan’s return sparked a surprising surge for his team. The squad, bolstered by a collective belief in his courage, mounted an improbable playoff run that saw them upset higher‑seeded opponents and capture the imagination of local fans. The narrative of a young man fighting grief while chasing a championship resonated deeply, turning each game into a communal celebration of perseverance.
The segment is slated to debut on Sunday, July 26, during the 8 a.m. hour of SportsCenter, bringing the story to a national audience. Its broadcast not only highlights the power of sport to heal but also underscores the broader conversation about how families and institutions can support young athletes facing trauma.