Bulldogs forward Max Plante claims college hockey's top honor, capping off a dominant season and adding to UMD's Hobey Baker legacy.
Las Vegas, NV– University of Minnesota-Duluth forward Max Plante heading home from Las Vegas with some hardware. After an incredible sophomore season for the Bulldogs, Plante was given the 2026 Hobey Baker Memorial Award. The award is given yearly to the best player in NCAA Division I men’s hockey.
Plante's win makes him the seventh Bulldog and first defenseman to win the award since Scott Perunovich in 2020. Minnesota Duluth now has the most Hobey Baker winners of any NCAA program.
Through 40 games, Plante racked up 52 points (25 goals + 27 assists) for an average of 1.30 points per game. These figures led the NCHC in goals, points, points and points per game. Aside from the Hobey Baker, Plante was named an NCAA West First Team All-American. The other West All-Americans were Trey Augustine, T.J. Hughes, Jake Livanavage, Porter Martone, and Eric Pohlkamp.
While Plante will be back for the Bulldogs next season, Detroit Red Wings fans are in for a treat when their 2024 second round pick does enter the professional ranks.
To rewatch the ceremony in its entirety, click the link above.