(Argo Athletics Media Release)
GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Before Josh Ihling even walked into the room, someone had placed a small gray box on the table. In the middle of the box’s lid was a medal engraving. The 17-year-old was turning 18 in less than 24 hours, but the box didn’t hold a birthday present – it held a pen. The box was from Ihling’s father and the engraving read “Joshua’s Signing Day 6-1-2018.”
Behind the table was a backdrop with school and sponsor logos. Ihling sat down, opened the box for the first time, took out the pen, and signed his national letter of intent to play hockey for the University of Providence.
Ihling will join the new Argo program after a highly successful high school career. As a four-year member of the Pinnacle High School team in Phoenix, Ariz., the forward won two Arizona State Championships and went to the National High School Championships.
Over the course of his four years with the Pioneers, Ihling totaled 70 points with 29 goals and 41 assists. He also averaged more than a goal per game when the lights got brightest, scoring 3 goals with 9 assists in 10 games at the national tournament.
Along with playing high school hockey, Ihling was a two-year member of Team Arizona, scoring 2 goals with 5 assists in 7 games. He was also an Assistant Captain for both the U16 and U18 Jr. Coyotes helped the program to a state title.
The signing of Ihling brings UP’s inaugural recruiting class to 10 players with more to come.
