The 2026 Hobey Baker winner on late growth, betting on himself, and chasing big dreams.
Scott and Jamie sit down with Max Plante for a conversation that has surprisingly little to do with trophies and everything to do with development.
Max shares how he was just 5’4″, 120 pounds when he left Minnesota high school hockey for the NTDP, why many people questioned the decision, and how learning to compete as one of the smallest players on the ice ultimately became one of his biggest advantages.
He also talks about growing up in Hermantown, playing every sport he could, the influence of his hockey family, battling through injuries, winning World Juniors gold, and why pushing yourself into uncomfortable situations is often the fastest path to growth.
In this episode:
– Why being undersized helped shape his game
– The emotional decision to leave Minnesota for the NTDP
– What injuries taught him about resilience
– Why playing multiple sports made him a better hockey player
This isn’t just the story of a Hobey Baker winner, it’s a reminder that development isn’t always linear, and betting on yourself is often the hardest move to make.
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