Plante Claims Hobey Baker Award as NCAA Men’s Hockey’s Best Player
Max Plante has claimed the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, recognizing him as the best player in NCAA men’s hockey. This award highlights his exceptional skills and contributions to his team at Minnesota Duluth.
Family Legacy in Hockey
The Plante family has a rich hockey heritage. Max’s older brother, Zam Plante, currently plays for Minnesota Duluth and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fifth round (No. 150) of the 2022 NHL Draft. Their younger brother, Victor Plante, is a standout player for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 Team. Victor is ranked No. 36 in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings for North American skaters in the 2026 NHL Draft and is committed to join Minnesota Duluth next season.
Derek Plante: A Hockey Veteran
Their father, Derek Plante, brings significant experience to the family affair, having played 450 NHL games between 1993 and 2001. He is now a professional scout for the Ottawa Senators and was a Hobey Baker Award top-10 finalist in the 1992-93 season while at Minnesota Duluth.
The Motivation Behind His College Return
Max Plante intends to return to Minnesota Duluth for another season, choosing to delay his professional career. He expressed his enthusiasm for playing alongside his brothers, saying, “That was a huge motivator. Just the chance to play with two brothers at that high of a level, and to try and achieve something that I haven’t achieved yet – a national championship.”
A Historic Achievement
Max Plante and his father, Derek, have become the second father-son duo in history to be named Hobey Baker finalists. The first duo was Jason Blake in 1999 and his son Jackson Blake, who is a finalist in 2024.
Coach’s Perspective
Scott Sandelin, Minnesota Duluth’s coach, praised Max Plante, noting, “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. That’s just the kind of person he is.”
Other Notable Players
- Adam Hughes: A senior and captain of Michigan, Hughes ranks second in the NCAA with 57 points (22 goals, 35 assists) across 40 games.
- Daniel Pohlkamp: Leading NCAA defensemen, Pohlkamp achieved 39 points (18 goals, 21 assists) and was drafted in the fifth round (No. 132) by the Sharks.
Upcoming Championship Game
Looking forward, Denver will compete against Wisconsin in the National Championship game on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ET, broadcasted on ESPN2 and ESPN+. Pohlkamp expressed his excitement, saying, “This is the main reason why I came to Denver – to win a national championship.”
