Max Plante, a sophomore forward for the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs, was awarded the 2026 Hobey Baker Memorial Award on Friday night, recognizing him as the top college hockey player in the United States. Plante, a Detroit Red Wings prospect, had an impressive season, finishing second nationally with 25 goals and third with 52 points. He concluded the season on a five-game point streak, which included an assist during the Bulldogs' 4-3 loss to Michigan in the NCAA tournament quarterfinals. As a second-round pick in the 2024 NHL draft, Plante is expected to return to Minnesota Duluth next season, where he will play alongside his two brothers, Zam and Victor. The opportunity to compete with his siblings at a high level serves as a significant motivator for Plante, who aspires to capture a national championship with the Bulldogs. This marks Minnesota Duluth's seventh Hobey Baker winner.