Max Plante Wins Hobey Baker Award

Minnesota Duluth sophomore forward named college hockey's top player

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:00pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a college hockey game, with the players' forms abstracted into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of deep blues, bright whites, and metallic silvers.Max Plante's Hobey Baker Award win and decision to return to Minnesota Duluth signals the program's continued rise as a college hockey powerhouse.Duluth Today

Max Plante, a sophomore forward for the University of Minnesota Duluth, was named the winner of the 2026 Hobey Baker Award, college hockey's highest individual honor. Plante finished the 2025-26 season with 52 points (25 goals, 27 assists) in 40 games, emerging as one of the most dynamic offensive players in the country. After accepting the award, Plante also announced he will return to Minnesota Duluth for his junior season.

Why it matters

The Hobey Baker Award is considered the Heisman Trophy of college hockey, recognizing the top player in the NCAA. Plante's victory marks the first time a Minnesota Duluth player has won the award since 2020, and he is the first sophomore to claim the honor since 2021. His decision to return for his junior year is also a significant development for the Bulldogs as they look to build on this season's success.

The details

Plante edged out Denver defenseman Eric Pohlkamp and Michigan forward T.J. Hughes for the Hobey Baker Award. The sophomore forward's 52-point campaign included 25 goals and 27 assists in 40 games, establishing him as one of the most dynamic offensive players in college hockey. Moments after accepting the award, Plante revealed he will return to Minnesota Duluth for his junior season, a decision driven by the opportunity to play alongside his two brothers, Zam and Victor, who is expected to join the program next year.

  • Max Plante was named the 2026 Hobey Baker Award winner on April 11, 2026.
  • Plante's younger brother, Victor, is expected to join the Minnesota Duluth program next season.

The players

Max Plante

A sophomore forward for the University of Minnesota Duluth who was named the 2026 Hobey Baker Award winner after a dominant 52-point season.

Zam Plante

Max Plante's brother, who currently plays for the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Victor Plante

Max Plante's youngest brother, who is expected to join the University of Minnesota Duluth program next season.

Eric Pohlkamp

A defenseman for the University of Denver who was a finalist for the 2026 Hobey Baker Award.

T.J. Hughes

A forward for the University of Michigan who was a finalist for the 2026 Hobey Baker Award.

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What they’re saying

“[Victor coming to UMD] was a huge motivator, just the fact to have the chance to play with my two brothers at that high of a level and to try to achieve something that I haven't achieved yet, to win the national championship. That's kind of the goal that I had coming into college hockey. Obviously, there's a lot of work to do before we get there, but to be able to do that with not only my brothers but guys that I've gotten to know really well in my two years at UMD.”

— Max Plante, Hobey Baker Award Winner

What’s next

Plante's return to Minnesota Duluth for his junior season will be a key factor as the Bulldogs look to build on their success and compete for a national championship in 2026-27.

The takeaway

Max Plante's Hobey Baker Award victory and decision to return to Minnesota Duluth highlight the program's continued rise as a college hockey powerhouse. The opportunity to play alongside his brothers has clearly been a driving force for Plante, underscoring the personal significance of his accomplishments and the bright future ahead for the Bulldogs.