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University of Minnesota Duluth Forward Max Plante Wins 2026 Hobey Baker Memorial Award

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Max Plante of Minnesota Duluth Wins 2026 Hobey Baker Award

University of Minnesota Duluth sophomore forward Max Plante was named the winner of the 2026 Hobey Baker Memorial Award on Friday. The award is presented annually to the top men's player in NCAA ice hockey. Plante, a prospect for the Detroit Red Wings, was selected from a group of three finalists that included Denver defenseman Eric Pohlkamp and Michigan forward T.J. Hughes.

Award Details and Finalists

The Hobey Baker Memorial Award announcement was made on Friday. Max Plante, a 20-year-old sophomore, received the honor. The other finalists were:

  • Eric Pohlkamp: A defenseman from the University of Denver and a prospect for the San Jose Sharks.
  • T.J. Hughes: A forward from the University of Michigan who is currently an undrafted free agent.

Player Background and Draft History

Plante was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round, 47th overall, of the 2024 NHL Draft. His selection by Detroit occurred prior to his collegiate award win.

Historical Context for Minnesota Duluth

The University of Minnesota Duluth has a notable history with the Hobey Baker Award:

  • Plante is the seventh player from Minnesota Duluth to win the award.
  • He is the first winner from the school since defenseman Scott Perunovich in 2020.
  • Since the award's introduction in the 1980-81 season, no NCAA school has produced more Hobey Baker Award winners than Minnesota Duluth.

2025-26 Season Performance Statistics

During the 2025-26 NCAA season, Plante played 40 games for the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs. His statistical performance included:

  • Leading his team with 25 goals and 52 total points.
  • Recording at least one point in 29 of his 40 games played.
  • Finishing the season on a five-game point streak, accumulating 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists). This streak included an assist in a 4-3 loss to the University of Michigan in the Albany Regional Final of the NCAA Tournament on March 29.

NCAA Rankings:

  • Points: 52 (3rd in NCAA)
  • Goals: 25 (Tied for 2nd in NCAA)
  • Points Per Game: 1.30 (8th in NCAA)
  • Game-Winning Goals: 6 (Tied for 3rd in NCAA)
  • Power-Play Goals: 8 (Tied for 8th in NCAA)

Program Historical Context:

  • Plante's 52 points were the most by a Minnesota Duluth player since the 2011-12 season.
  • He is one of 28 players in the program's 82-year history to record at least 51 points in a single season.

Season Awards and Recognition

In addition to the Hobey Baker Award, Plante received the following conference honors for the 2025-26 season:

  • National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) Forward of the Year (the first Minnesota Duluth player to receive this award).
  • Selection to the All-NCHC First Team.

Player Statements

Following the award announcement, Max Plante made several statements:

"It was really a lot like the draft. 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."

  • On the history of the award at his university: "Duluth has a lot of history with the Hobey Baker."
  • On his individual performance: "I, obviously, had a great year, but a lot of props to my linemates. They made a bunch of plays for me, and I was the beneficiary of it."