UMD's Max Plante wins Hobey Baker after heart surgeries

The 20-year-old Bulldogs star overcame a serious medical condition to claim college hockey's top individual honor.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:55am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring vibrant neon brushstrokes and splatters of color, capturing the dynamic movement and energy of a hockey player on the ice.A young hockey player's triumphant journey to the sport's highest individual honor, fueled by resilience and raw talent.Duluth Today

Max Plante, a 20-year-old forward for the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs, was awarded the prestigious Hobey Baker Memorial Award on Friday night in Las Vegas. Plante's victory came after he underwent multiple heart surgeries last summer between his freshman and sophomore seasons, overcoming a serious medical condition to lead the Bulldogs to a successful season.

Why it matters

The Hobey Baker Award is college hockey's highest individual honor, recognizing the top player in the NCAA. Plante's triumph over his health challenges to reach this career milestone is an inspiring story that highlights the perseverance and determination of student-athletes.

The details

Plante, a native of Hermantown, Minnesota, revealed during his Hobey Baker acceptance speech that he had to undergo multiple heart procedures in the offseason to address a condition. Despite the setback, the 20-year-old forward bounced back to lead the Bulldogs in scoring this past season, helping the team earn a spot in the NCAA tournament.

  • Plante underwent heart surgeries last summer between his freshman and sophomore seasons.
  • Plante won the Hobey Baker Award on April 12, 2026.

The players

Max Plante

A 20-year-old forward for the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs who overcame heart surgeries to win the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, college hockey's top individual honor.

University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs

The college hockey team that Plante plays for, which earned a spot in the NCAA tournament this past season.

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What’s next

Plante is expected to return to the University of Minnesota Duluth for his junior season, where he will look to lead the Bulldogs to a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

The takeaway

Plante's inspiring story of overcoming a serious heart condition to claim college hockey's top individual honor is a testament to the resilience and determination of student-athletes. His triumph serves as a powerful reminder that with hard work and perseverance, even the greatest challenges can be overcome.