Police have named the shooter as Robert Dorgan, 56. It is understood that Dorgan opened fire at the match in Pawtucket, Rhode Island in United States on the afternoon of Monday, February 16.

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said that Dorgan, 56, also used the name Roberta Esposito.

"We have identified the person, the suspect, by a birth name, the birth name was Robert Dorgan," Goncalves said.

"We have also learned that the person does go by the name of Roberta, also uses a last name of Esposito."

The hockey arena was hosting matches for several local schools when gun shots rang out.

A livestream of the match captured the moment spectators and players dove to the floor for cover.

Videos shared online showed players squeezing out of the box and ditching their skates while others jump over the rink's barrier and rush to the change room.

Investigators said earlier it was a targeted shooting "that may be a family dispute."

It has been alleged that Dorgan's wife and three children were shot.

A little girl believed to be among the victims.

It is understood that Dorgan died by a self-inflicted gun shot wound.

Dorgan was reportedly the father of a North Providence High School senior.