Minnesota Duluth Star Max Plante Wins Hobey Baker Award

Plante's achievement continues the school's legacy of top NCAA hockey talent.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:24pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a college hockey player scoring a goal, with no identifiable faces or logos.A dynamic illustration captures the explosive energy and skill of Minnesota Duluth's star player, Max Plante, as he scores a crucial goal for his team.Duluth Today

Max Plante, a forward for the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) hockey team, has won the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, recognizing him as the top men's player in NCAA ice hockey. Plante's win continues UMD's dominance in the award, making it the school with the most Hobey Baker winners. Plante's success is a family affair, as his older brother Zam was also drafted into the NHL, and their father Derek was a Hobey Baker finalist in the 1990s.

Why it matters

Plante's Hobey Baker Award win highlights the strength of the Minnesota Duluth hockey program, which has produced some of the top NCAA talent over the past four decades. It also underscores the importance of developing players at the college level before they make the jump to the NHL.

The details

Plante led UMD in goals and points this season, becoming only the 28th player in the program's 82-year history to reach the 51-point mark. Despite his individual success, Plante remains humble and credits his teammates and coaches for his achievement.

  • Max Plante won the 2026 Hobey Baker Award on April 11, 2026.

The players

Max Plante

A forward for the University of Minnesota Duluth hockey team and the winner of the 2026 Hobey Baker Award, which recognizes the top men's player in NCAA ice hockey.

Zam Plante

Max Plante's older brother, who was also drafted into the NHL.

Derek Plante

The father of Max and Zam Plante, who was a Hobey Baker Award finalist in the 1990s.

Scott Sandelin

The head coach of the University of Minnesota Duluth hockey team, who praised Max Plante's character and team-first attitude.

Victor Plante

The youngest Plante brother, who is expected to join the University of Minnesota Duluth hockey team next season and is highly touted as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Max is a team-first player who deflects personal glory. He's been a huge part of our success.”

— Scott Sandelin, Head Coach, University of Minnesota Duluth

What’s next

Victor Plante, the youngest Plante brother, is expected to join the University of Minnesota Duluth hockey team next season and is highly touted as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

The takeaway

Max Plante's Hobey Baker Award win is a testament to the strength of the University of Minnesota Duluth hockey program, which has produced some of the top NCAA talent over the past four decades. It also highlights the importance of developing players at the college level before they make the jump to the NHL.