Hermantown Native Max Plante Captures 2026 Hobey Baker Award

Hermantown’s own Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner Max Plante has officially cemented his place among college hockey’s elite.

The 20-year-old sophomore forward at University of Minnesota Duluth put together a dominant 2025–26 campaign, leading the Bulldogs with 25 goals and 52 points. His ability to impact the game in all situations, whether driving offense, winning battles in traffic, or playing with pace through the neutral zone, made him one of the most complete forwards in the country this season.

Plante’s rise has been steady and well-earned. A second-round selection (47th overall) by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2024 NHL Draft, he continues to project as a high-upside player with a pro-ready blend of skill and competitiveness.

His path traces back to Hermantown, where he played during the 2021–22 high school season. In just 31 games, Plante piled up 72 points, quickly establishing himself as one of Minnesota’s top young talents before moving on to the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. There, he spent two seasons refining his game against top competition, developing the pace, structure, and detail that now define his play at the collegiate level.

Internationally, Plante has also made his mark. As a member of Team USA at the World Junior Championship, he served as an assistant captain on the U20 squad this past season, another indicator of the trust coaches place in his leadership and two-way reliability.

From Hermantown standout to national award winner, Plant’s trajectory continues to trend upward. With his combination of scoring touch, hockey IQ, and competitive edge, he not only earned college hockey’s top individual honor, but also positioned himself as a key piece of the Red Wings’ future.