Max Plante Wins 2026 Hobey Baker Award

Detroit Red Wings prospect dominates NCAA hockey scene

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:36am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a college hockey player in mid-action, with sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant blue, red, and gold colors, conceptually representing the multi-faceted nature of the Plante family's hockey success.The Plante family's hockey legacy continues to shine, as Max Plante's Hobey Baker Award win celebrates the power of tradition and the influence of a supportive upbringing.Duluth Today

Max Plante, a 20-year-old forward in the Detroit Red Wings organization, has won the prestigious Hobey Baker Memorial Award after a standout season with the University of Minnesota Duluth. Plante led his team with 25 goals and 52 points in just 40 games, setting a program record since 2011-12 and joining an elite group of players in the school's 82-year history.

Why it matters

Plante's achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and the influence of his hockey-centric family. His older brother Zam was a recent NHL draft pick, and their younger brother Victor is a highly touted 2026 draft prospect, highlighting the Plante family's deep roots in the sport. Plante's Hobey Baker win celebrates the power of family tradition in shaping athletic success.

The details

Plante dominated the NCAA ice hockey scene, leading his team in goals and points while playing in just 40 games. His statistical prowess put him in elite company, as he joined a select group of players with at least 51 points in the program's history. Plante's win makes him the first player from his school to capture the Hobey Baker Award since 2020, underscoring the significance of this achievement.

  • Plante won the 2026 Hobey Baker Memorial Award on April 11, 2026.
  • Plante's older brother Zam was a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
  • Plante's younger brother Victor is a highly touted prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft.

The players

Max Plante

A 20-year-old forward in the Detroit Red Wings organization who won the 2026 Hobey Baker Memorial Award after a standout season with the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Zam Plante

Max Plante's older brother, who was a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.

Victor Plante

Max Plante's younger brother, who is a highly touted prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft.

Derek Plante

The father of Max, Zam, and Victor Plante, who was a former NHL player and scout, and a Hobey Baker Award finalist himself.

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What’s next

Victor Plante, Max's younger brother, is set to play at the University of Minnesota Duluth next season, continuing the family's hockey legacy.

The takeaway

Max Plante's Hobey Baker Award win showcases the power of family tradition in shaping athletic success. His achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and the influence of his hockey-centric upbringing, inspiring aspiring athletes to pursue their dreams with the support of their loved ones.