Pawtucket Hockey Game Shooting: 2 Killed, 3 Injured, Shooter Dead

PAWTUCKET, R.I. – A high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, turned tragic on Monday, February 16, 2026, as a shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena left two people dead and three critically injured. The shooter is also deceased, apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to authorities.

The incident occurred during a game between the Coventry-Johnston co-op team and the St. Raphael-Providence Country Day-North Providence-North Smithfield co-op. The teams were participating in a contest when gunfire erupted, sending players and spectators scrambling for safety. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with players jumping off the ice and seeking shelter.

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves stated that the shooting appears to be a targeted event stemming from a family dispute. “this was a targeted event, that it may be a family dispute,” Goncalves said at a press conference. Police are not currently seeking any other suspects.

The names and ages of the victims have not yet been released, as authorities are working to notify families. The injured individuals are currently in critical condition at a local hospital. Details regarding their identities remain unavailable at this time.

The game was being livestreamed and video footage of the shooting has surfaced online. The footage, which has been blurred by NBC 10, captures the sound of gunshots and the immediate aftermath of the incident. Police have confirmed that the livestream video is part of their ongoing investigation.

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond. St. Raphael Academy released a statement confirming that no members of their school community were injured. Coventry’s superintendent also issued a statement confirming that all students from the Coventry Boys Hockey team were accounted for and safe. Johnston Public Schools confirmed the safety of their student-athletes who were participating in the game, as well as another student in attendance.

North Smithfield, North Providence, and Providence Country Day schools also released statements indicating their students were safe.

The incident comes less than two months after a shooting at Brown University in Providence, where two people were killed and nine injured. This latest tragedy has reignited conversations about gun violence and safety in public spaces.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island described the shooting as a “horrific tragedy,” emphasizing that youth sporting events should be safe environments. He also acknowledged that someone attempted to confront the shooter. “We are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and emergency responders who rushed to assist, as well as the good Samaritan who confronted and tried to disarm the shooter,” Reed said.

The Providence Bruins, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Boston Bruins, released a statement expressing their support for the community and commending the first responders. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic events at the High School Hockey game at Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket today. While we wait for more details, we share our support with the community and commend the first responders for all their efforts,” the team said.

Local authorities utilized RIPTA buses to help reunite families following the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released as they become available.