Williams coach Kangas taking sabbatical for ’17-18 season, assistant Monti to serve as interim coach

Williams coach Bill Kangas will be taking a sabbatical during the 2017-18 academic year and current assistant coach Mike Monti will serve as the Ephs’ interim head coach.

Kangas will return to coach the Ephs for the 2018-19 season. Kangas’ 28-year run as the Ephs’ head coach began in the fall of 1989.

“As faculty members, Williams College head coaches are allowed to apply for leaves much like the sabbaticals academic faculty members receive,” said Williams athletic director Lisa Melendy in a statement. “These sabbaticals provide our coaches with the opportunity to travel, research, and rejuvenate, to improve both themselves and often their chosen sport by adding to their body of knowledge.

“Many of our coaches cite these leaves as transformative. Given the time to meet with coaches and observe programs across the country and the world that are at the cutting edge of their sport allows our coaches the space to explore new approaches they can create or apply to their own coaching. I am excited that next year, Coach Kangas will have the opportunity to do just that. He will visit with national, professional, and collegiate ice hockey coaches and programs in an effort to observe their coaching strategies and practices. Beyond observation, he will have the chance to discuss both their approaches and his and return to Williams prepared to introduce the very latest to his team.”

“I am very grateful to Williams for affording me the opportunity to take a sabbatical during the 2017-18 academic year,” added Kangas. “I am looking forward to participating in a variety of professional development opportunities, observing college programs, engaging in the development their players and teams, and learning more about the variety of playing styles implemented. I look forward to observing, reflecting and considering new coaching/teaching ideas for the continued development of our program. On a personal note, I am looking forward to watching my son, Ryan, compete with his team during his senior year at SUNY-Brockport.”

“Our program is very fortunate to have Mike Monti serve as the 2017-18 Williams men’s hockey interim head coach. Coach Monti is respected by our players and department, is a great communicator, and truly understands the balance of academics and hockey at Williams. He will continue to build on our team culture and he has a great group of returning players to work with this coming season.”

During the 2016-17 season, Williams finished 14-9-3 overall and 10-5-3 in NESCAC play.