Max Plante has reached the pinnacle of collegiate hockey, being named the recipient of the Hobey Baker Award as the top NCAA men’s hockey player. The honor recognizes a season of exceptional individual performance, but for Plante, the achievement is deeply intertwined with a family legacy that spans generations and a commitment to his teammates at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
The award places Plante in an elite fraternity of collegiate athletes, but it also marks a rare historical milestone for the sport. Max and his father, Derek Plante, are only the second father-son duo to both be named Hobey Baker finalists. The only other pair to achieve this feat was Jason Blake, a 1999 finalist, and his son Jackson Blake, who was a finalist in 2024, both of whom played for the University of North Dakota.
While the trophy represents individual brilliance, Plante’s immediate focus remains on the collective. In a move that prioritizes family and unfinished business over an immediate jump to the professional ranks, Max has announced his intention to return to Minnesota Duluth for at least one more season. The decision allows him to play alongside his two brothers in a rare collegiate trifecta.
A Legacy Built on the Ice
The Plante name is well-established in the hockey world, beginning with Derek Plante. A former standout at Minnesota Duluth, Derek was a Hobey Baker top-10 finalist during his senior season in 1992-93 before embarking on a professional career that saw him play 450 NHL games between 1993 and 2001. Today, Derek continues to influence the game as a professional scout for the Ottawa Senators.
Max is not the only sibling with professional aspirations or pedigree. His older brother, Zam Plante, 21, is already a teammate at Minnesota Duluth and was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fifth round (150th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft. The family’s trajectory continues with the youngest, Victor Plante. Currently playing for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 Team, Victor is ranked No. 36 on NHL Central Scouting’s midterm ranking of North American skaters for the 2026 NHL Draft. Victor has already committed to join his brothers at Minnesota Duluth next season.
For Max, the draw of staying in school is as much about the bond between siblings as it is about the game. “That was a huge motivator,” Max said. “Just the fact to have a chance to play with two brothers at that high of a level, and to attempt and achieve something that I haven’t achieved yet – a national championship.”
The Competition and the Road to the Finals
The race for the Hobey Baker Award featured a field of elite talent, including standout performances from Michigan and Denver. Among the top finalists was Michigan captain Hughes, a 24-year-traditional senior who dominated the Massive Ten. Hughes led the Wolverines in scoring for the second consecutive year, tallying 57 points (22 goals, 35 assists) in 40 games and earning Big Ten Player of the Year honors.
Rounding out the top tier was Pohlkamp, a junior at Denver who currently leads all NCAA defensemen with 39 points (18 goals, 21 assists) and 188 shots on goal across 42 games. Pohlkamp, who transferred to Denver for the 2024-25 season after a year at Bemidji State University, was a fifth-round pick (132nd overall) by the San Jose Sharks in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Despite the competition, those who faced Plante on the ice recognized his impact. “Max is a heck of a player to play against,” Pohlkamp said, noting his own fortune in being named one of the top three finalists in the event.
Comparative Performance of Top Finalists
| Player | School | Points | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Plante | Minnesota Duluth | N/A | Hobey Baker Award Winner |
| Hughes | Michigan | 57 | Big Ten Player of the Year |
| Pohlkamp | Denver | 39 | NCAA Leading Defenseman |
Character and Coaching
Beyond the statistics and the accolades, Minnesota Duluth coach Scott Sandelin highlighted the humility that defines Max Plante’s approach to the game. According to Sandelin, the award is a testament to Plante’s skill, but his reaction to it is a testament to his character.
“Max would probably be the first one to deflect (winning the Hobey Baker) and say he’s been around good teammates and players that have helped him get there,” Sandelin said. “That’s just the kind of person he is. Obviously, we’re really excited for him.”
This team-first mentality is what fuels the quest for a national title. While the Hobey Baker Award cements Max’s place in the history books as an individual, the ultimate goal for the Plante brothers remains the hoisting of a championship trophy together in Duluth.
Looking Ahead to the Championship
As the individual honors conclude, the focus shifts back to the team game. The road to the national title continues with a high-stakes showdown as Denver prepares to face Wisconsin in the National Championship game. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ET, with coverage provided by ESPN2 and ESPN+.
For players like Pohlkamp, the championship game is the culmination of a season’s work and the primary reason for his move to Denver. “This is the main reason why I came to Denver to win a national championship,” Pohlkamp said. “Luckily enough, we get a chance to do that (Saturday). It’s gonna be a loud atmosphere. I’m really looking forward to it.”
The next major milestone for the Plante family will be the arrival of Victor Plante on campus next season, marking the first time all three brothers will suit up for the Bulldogs simultaneously. This reunion will set the stage for a historic campaign as they chase the national title that has remained elusive for Max.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the Plante brothers’ decision to stay at UMD in the comments below.
