Hobey Baker Hat Trick Finalists Announced

T.J. Hughes, Max Plante and Eric Pohlkamp named as finalists for college hockey's top individual award

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:54pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a college hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players and the movement of the puck on the ice.The finalists for college hockey's top individual award showcase the exceptional talent and competitiveness of the sport.Duluth Today

The Hobey Baker Committee has announced the three finalists for the 2026 Hobey Baker Memorial Award, which recognizes the top NCAA Division I men's ice hockey player. The finalists are T.J. Hughes from the University of Michigan, Max Plante from the University of Minnesota Duluth, and Eric Pohlkamp from the University of Denver. The winner will be announced on April 10 in Las Vegas.

Why it matters

The Hobey Baker Award is considered the most prestigious individual honor in college hockey. These three finalists have stood out among the nation's top players this season and their selection highlights the talent and competitiveness of NCAA Division I men's ice hockey.

The details

T.J. Hughes, the Big Ten Player of the Year, has totaled 56 points in 39 games this season for the Michigan Wolverines. Max Plante, the NCHC Player of the Year, finished the season with a conference-record 52 points for Minnesota Duluth. Eric Pohlkamp, a San Jose Sharks prospect, leads all NCAA defensemen with 18 goals and 39 points in 41 games for Denver.

  • The Hobey Baker Committee made the announcement on April 2, 2026.
  • The winner will be announced in Las Vegas on April 10, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. EST.
  • The Frozen Four semifinals will take place on April 9 and 11, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The players

T.J. Hughes

A four-year member of the Michigan program, Hughes has helped the Wolverines to three Frozen Four appearances. He is the NCAA's leading active scorer with 178 points in 155 games, including 68 goals and 110 assists.

Max Plante

The 2025-26 National Collegiate Hockey Conference Player of the Year, Plante finished the season with 52 points, the most ever by a Bulldog since 2011-12. His father, Derek Plante, was also a Hobey Baker finalist in 1992-93.

Eric Pohlkamp

A San Jose Sharks prospect, Pohlkamp leads all Denver players and NCAA defensemen this season with 18 goals and 39 points in 41 games. He is also first among all skaters in the country with 185 shots on goal.

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What’s next

The winner of the 2026 Hobey Baker Memorial Award will be announced on April 10, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. EST in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

The selection of these three finalists showcases the exceptional talent and competitiveness of NCAA Division I men's ice hockey. Fans will be eager to see who emerges as the winner of college hockey's top individual honor.