Congratulating the Blackstone Valley Schools (BVS) Boys Co-Op Team on Winning the Rhode Island Division II High School State Hockey Championship

WHEREAS, The Blackstone Valley Schools Boys Co-Op ice hockey team’s 2026 victory in the Rhode Island Division II Boys Ice Hockey Tournament was one for the ages and the history books as they overcame adversity and great tragedy to emerge victorious in a storybook moment that touched the hearts of all Rhode Islanders and many people across the nation; and

WHEREAS, After the horrific and tragic shooting a month earlier that resulted in the loss of three lives at the Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, it was unimaginable to believe that the young men on this team could possibly pick up the pieces in such a short time and play competitive hockey again. However, thanks to the incredible leadership provided by head Coach Chris Librizzi, who somehow held the team together and built it back up, and the incredible resilience of these young men, the BVS Co-Op not only returned to playing hockey, but they put together a winning streak that will be forever remembered not only in the annals of Rhode Island sports, but within the history of American sports; and

WHEREAS, After dispatching the RMT Co-Op Ice Hockey Team in a two-game sweep of the first round of the 20 Rhode Island Boys Division II Ice Hockey Tournament, the BVS squad met Portsmouth High in a semi-final match that resulted in a thrilling, double overtime game. Senior Colin Dorgan, who less than a month earlier had lost three members of his family in a senseless shooting incident, received a pass at center ice in double overtime and from the slot blasted the puck through the Portsmouth goalie’s pads to end the game and send the BVS co-op team to the championship game. In an instant, Colin Dorgan became a national hero as people across the nation erupted in joy upon learning of his achievement; and

WHEREAS, In a championship game every bit as thrilling as the BVS victory over Portsmouth in the semi-finals, the underdog BVS squad continued its magical run by defeating Lincoln High School by the score of 3-2 in four overtimes. Things were looking bleak for BVS late in the third period as they trailed 0-2 with only 6 minutes left in the game, before they made a roaring comeback. First, Caden Rudek cut the lead in half when he scored with 5:37 left in the game. The next big moment seemed like a scene from a Hollywood movie as, after pulling their goalie with 53.7 seconds left, Colin Dorgan repeated his heroics on ice when he blasted home a clutch game-tying goal with 23 seconds left. The drama continued into the th overtime and finally ended when Jason Boyes won the game for BVS, and the title, with 5:53 left in the fourth overtime; and

WHEREAS, Winning a State Title in a team sport is an incredible achievement that requires that every player on the team give their all while at the same time always placing team goals ahead of individual desires. The 20 BVS Cop-OP Boys Ice Hockey Team had that mindset in abundance as they were led all season by the outstanding play provided by Jacob Faria, Nick Rivard, Michael Mon, Drew Silva, Cam Governo, Declan St. Vincent, Jaxon Boyes, Nick Bianchi, Preston Manning, Tommy Decataldo, Thomas Fournier, Brody Laliberte, Avery Hueston, Colin Dorgan, Alex Pickering, Martin Ayo-Populos, Caden Rudek, Jameson Cordeiro, Alex Gosselin, Benjamin Brooks, Chole Corey, Joey Palmer, Tyler Amore, Jason Scott, Logan Lang and Matt Palmer; and

WHEREAS, The 2025-20 BVS Co-Op Team was also blessed this season to have the outstanding coaching and leadership provided by Head Coach Chris Librizzi, and Assistant Coaches Michael Cienava, Nick Gustafson, Chris Lambert, Seth Pickering, and Assistant Coach and JV Coach Steve Wowk; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby heartily and joyously congratulates the Blackstone Valley Schools Boys Co-Op Ice Hockey Team on winning the Rhode Isl; and Division II State Championship; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to BVS Head Coach Chris Librizzi and the entire roster and coaches of the Blackstone Valley Schools Boys Co-Op hockey team.