Minnesota Duluth's Max Plante Wins Hobey Baker Award

Sophomore forward led the nation in points this season, plans to return to college next year

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:45am

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a college hockey player in motion, with sharp planes of navy, maroon, and white overlapping to capture the dynamism of the sport.Plante's dynamic performance this season earned him the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, cementing Minnesota Duluth's status as a powerhouse in college hockey.Duluth Today

Max Plante, a sophomore forward for the University of Minnesota Duluth, has been awarded the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the top NCAA Division I men's ice hockey player. Plante finished the 2025-26 season with 52 points, the third-highest total in the nation, and has announced he will remain in college for his junior year rather than turning professional.

Why it matters

The Hobey Baker Award is considered the Heisman Trophy of college hockey, and Plante's win marks the seventh time a Minnesota Duluth player has received the honor, cementing the school's status as a powerhouse in the sport. Plante's decision to stay in school for another year is also notable, as many top college hockey players opt to turn pro after standout sophomore seasons.

The details

Plante, a native of Hermantown, Minnesota, had a breakout year for the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs, leading the team in goals, assists, and total points. His 52-point campaign was the third-highest in the country, trailing only two players who have already turned professional. Despite his individual success, Plante said he is committed to returning to Minnesota Duluth next season to help the team compete for a national championship.

  • Plante was awarded the Hobey Baker Award on April 11, 2026.
  • The 2025-26 NCAA hockey season concluded in March 2026.

The players

Max Plante

A sophomore forward for the University of Minnesota Duluth hockey team, Plante led the nation in points during the 2025-26 season and was awarded the Hobey Baker Award as the top NCAA Division I men's ice hockey player.

University of Minnesota Duluth

A public research university located in Duluth, Minnesota, the University of Minnesota Duluth is known for its successful NCAA Division I men's ice hockey program, which has produced seven Hobey Baker Award winners, including Plante.

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What they’re saying

“Winning the Hobey Baker is a dream come true, but I'm not done yet. I'm excited to come back to Duluth next year and help our team compete for a national championship.”

— Max Plante, Sophomore Forward, University of Minnesota Duluth

What’s next

Plante will return to the University of Minnesota Duluth for his junior season, where he will look to lead the Bulldogs to a national championship.

The takeaway

Plante's Hobey Baker Award win and decision to remain in college for another year highlights the continued excellence of the University of Minnesota Duluth hockey program, which has produced some of the top talent in NCAA Division I men's ice hockey.