Indiana, PA – Leadership doesn’t just happen on the ice, and IUP senior defenseman #6 Evan Sala continues to prove that success comes in many forms. While anchoring the blue line for the IUP Crimson Hawks, Sala recently played a key role in the university’s victory at the Fall 2024 CFA Society Pittsburgh Collegiate Stock Picker Challenge.
The competition, hosted by the CFA Society Pittsburgh, featured top business students from colleges across the region, challenging them to analyze and present stock investment recommendations to a panel of industry professionals. As part of IUP’s winning team, Sala demonstrated strategic thinking, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure—skills that translate seamlessly from the rink to the financial world.
A senior majoring in finance, Sala has excelled both academically and athletically, balancing the rigorous demands of collegiate ice hockey with the dedication required to succeed in a high-level finance curriculum. His ability to analyze the game in real time mirrors his approach to stock analysis, making quick yet calculated decisions with confidence and precision.
“Evan’s leadership on and off the ice is a testament to the type of student-athletes we develop at IUP,” said IUP Hockey Head Coach Joe Honzo. “His commitment to excellence is evident, whether he’s defending our zone or presenting financial strategies in a competition setting.”
With graduation approaching, Sala is proving that his future is bright in both hockey and finance. Whether he’s breaking up plays in the defensive zone or breaking down stock trends, his ability to lead under pressure is undeniable.