Williams, Colby among strong starters in NESCAC

The early returns from the NESCAC show an eclectic group of teams in the top tier — some surprising, some not.

At Williams, the question was how a team that’s typically strong defensively would play with longtime coach Bill Kangas (South Burlington, Vt.) on sabbatical and assistant Mike Monti running the show.

The Ephs (5-2) dispelled those questions by winning their first five games, playing well in front of goalies Stephen Morrissey (2.02 GAA, .931 save percentage) and Michael Pinios (2.04, .928). Special teams, too, have been good; the team ranks fifth nationally in power play and 13th in penalty kill.