Minnesota Duluth's Max Plante wins Hobey Baker Award

Sophomore forward led the nation in points during the 2025-26 season.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:21am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hockey player in mid-motion, with sharp planes of navy, green, and red overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract representation of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a hockey player's dynamic movements captures the energy and artistry of the Hobey Baker Award winner's standout season.Hermantown Today

Max Plante, a 20-year-old sophomore forward for the University of Minnesota Duluth, has been named the winner of the 2026 Hobey Baker Award, college hockey's highest individual honor. Plante finished the season with 52 points, the third-highest total in the nation.

Why it matters

The Hobey Baker Award is considered the Heisman Trophy of college hockey, recognizing the top player in the NCAA. Plante's win marks the seventh time a Minnesota Duluth player has received the prestigious award, cementing the program's status as a powerhouse in the sport.

The details

Plante, a native of Hermantown, Minnesota, had a breakout season for the Bulldogs, leading the team in goals, assists, and overall points. His 52 points were the third-highest total in the country, trailing only two players from other schools.

  • Plante was announced as the 2026 Hobey Baker Award winner on April 11, 2026.

The players

Max Plante

A 20-year-old sophomore forward for the University of Minnesota Duluth hockey team, Plante was named the 2026 Hobey Baker Award winner as the top player in college hockey.

University of Minnesota Duluth

A Division I college hockey program located in Duluth, Minnesota, the Bulldogs have now produced seven Hobey Baker Award winners, the most of any school.

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What they’re saying

“You can't even really believe it. It feels like a dream, but it is your name. When your name is called, you have to stand up, and it was really super special to look around and see my family, and they're all right there. It was really cool.”

— Max Plante

What’s next

Plante will look to build on his Hobey Baker-winning season as he returns to the University of Minnesota Duluth for his junior year, with the goal of leading the Bulldogs to a national championship.

The takeaway

Max Plante's Hobey Baker Award win cements the University of Minnesota Duluth's status as one of the premier college hockey programs in the country, with seven individual award winners over the years. Plante's breakout season and national recognition will likely boost his professional prospects as he looks ahead to his junior year and beyond.