Watching Providence seniors Jake Rott and Jake Vennetti play hockey, one can’t help but notice how it all looks so easy for them.
The 6-foot-4 Rott relies on his exceptional reach to control the puck and make plays. The 6-0 Vennetti boasts a fearless attitude and a lightning-quick shooting release.
They’re good individually.
They’re magic together.
“Their abilities complement each other,” Providence coach Nick Iaciancio said. “That’s a big reason they’re so dangerous.”
Beyond their skill level, there’s another major component to their success. They’ve played on the same team since age 5. And most of the time, coaches have possessed the wisdom to place Rott, a right winger, and Vennetti, a center, on the same line.
“We have great chemistry together,” Rott said. “We know where each other is going to be most of the time.”
The numbers tell the tale. Rott and Vennetti sit 1-2 in Catholic League scoring. Rott has 23 goals and 31 assists in 19 games. Vennetti has 24 goals and 23 assists in 17 games.
Rott was able to pad his lead when Vennetti was forced to miss games Saturday and Sunday with a concussion.
It’s a friendly competition. Both have genuine support for the other in the race for scoring supremacy.
“As long as we’re 1-2, it really doesn’t matter,” Vennetti said. “We don’t really even talk about it. Jake’s a great player.”
Rott actually would prefer Vennetti finish No. 1. Talk about a selfless perspective.
“It would be nice for him to finish on top of the league,” Rott said. “He’s worked really hard and he deserves it.”
Rott won the league scoring title last season, finishing with 21 goals and 31 assists in 22 games. Vennetti was third with 24 goals and 23 assists.
The dynamic duo, however, has more pressing matters than who wins the scoring title.
The Celtics are aiming to win the Kennedy Cup, which slipped out of their grasp last season after winning it in 2015.
Providence (18-1) already has sewn up the regular-season title with three games remaining.
“Winning the (Kennedy) Cup is our top goal,” Vennetti said.
Vennetti and Rott acknowledged the desire to return to the United Center for a chance to win the state championship doesn’t lag far behind.
The Celtics lost to New Trier Green 5-2 in last season’s championship game.
It’s more than likely Providence again will have to overcome 13-time state champ New Trier Green at some point, likely the finals, to notch its first state trophy.
The Celtics are 0-4 vs. the Trevians this season.
Rott and Vennetti, though, believe Providence has what it takes to knock off New Trier.
“They’ve had our number,” Rott said. “We all have to play our game. If we do that, I believe we can beat them.”
“I can’t imagine getting back to the UC and winning it all,” Vennetti said. “I think we can beat anyone. We have to play a simple game in our end and avoid mistakes.”
Upon graduation, Rott will be heading to Texas to play for the Lone Star Brahmas, a Tier II Junior team in the North American Hockey League. He hopes that will lead to a shot at playing college hockey or maybe an opportunity at the pro level.
There’s a chance Vennetti will join Rott in Texas. If not, Vennetti will likely attend Iowa and play for its club team.
“I haven’t made a decision yet,” Vennetti said. “We’ll see what happens.”
If Rott has anything to say about it, Vennetti would be wise to start shopping for some cowboy boots.
“The Brahmas have been talking to me about Jake,” Rott said. “It would be awesome to have him there with me.”
And, of course, wreaking havoc on the same line.
Twitter @disabato
