Providence routs St. Viator, advances to semifinals of Holiday Hockey Classic at Bensenville

Well, they’ve done it again. The Celtics brought their superior speed with them to Bensenville and clobbered St. Viator 9-0 in the quarterfinals of the Holiday Hockey Classic on Saturday.

Providence did what it does best, score early and often. Dan Ricker knocked in his first of two goals within a minute and a half of puck drop and Eric Mounce followed with a goal off a breakaway.

“We got off to a good start, that first goal was key,” said Celtics head coach Nick Iaciancio. “By using everyone on our bench we’re able to keep that pep in our step.”

Matt Iaciancio knocked another one in to make it 3-0 entering the second half. Tournament games consist of two halves instead of the traditional three periods.

Things got out hand for St. Viator just eight seconds into the second half, when Mike Vennetti tucked one in between the pipes. Jake Dillman then scored, followed by Ricker’s second. Matt Payton also found the back of the net before Vennetti added his second.

“We played all of our defensemen, kept the lines moving and our kids continued to execute,” Iacianco added. “That’s key right there.”

Providence will play Naperville Central, who beat St. Rita 5-1, in the semifinals on Sunday.