S8 E26: Awards to the max with Max Plante

S8 E26: Awards to the max with Max Plante

Author: Duluth News Tribune March 26, 2026 Duration: 41:30

Minnesota Duluth sophomore forward Max Plante has been hearing 'congratulations' a lot lately, but he isn't always sure what for. Sure, he has been collecting awards and honors left and right the past couple weeks and last week alone, he was named 2026 NCHC Forward of the Year, 2026 NCHC Player of the Year and a top 10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. But, what he and his teammates are seeking is a NCAA championship.

The Hermantown native and 2024 second-round draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings joined News Tribune college hockey reporter Matt Wellens and Zach Schneider of My 9 Sports on the Bulldog Insider Podcast this week to discuss those awards, the postseason run that the Bulldogs are on and to answer questions from fans (including his grandma). Max is also asked if he and his brother - and teammate - Zam Plante could play a second sport at UMD like their parents Derek Plante (hockey and baseball) and Kristi (Duncan) Plante (basketball and softball), what would it be; who's the better pickleball player between he and Zam; the possibility of having all three Plante Brothers (Max, Zam and Victor) playing at UMD next season and much more. It is the second time that Max has appeared on the podcast this season.

As for this season, while the Bulldogs fell last Saturday in double-overtime in the NCHC championship game at Denver, they're still NCAA Tournament bound. No. 8 UMD (23-14-1) will take on No. 9 Penn State (21-13-2) at 8 p.m. CT on Friday at MVP Arena in Albany, New York, in a NCAA regional semifinal, with the winner advancing to the regional championship at Sunday against either No. 1 Michigan or No. 16 Bentley.

Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by Matt Wellens and Zach Schneider. Episodes are edited and produced by Duluth News Tribune digital producers Dan Williamson and Wyatt Buckner. You can find more Bulldog hockey coverage at duluthnewstribune.com and more episodes of Bulldog Insider wherever you listen to podcasts. 


Every week, the rhythms and rivalries of college hockey get a deep, local dive on Bulldog Insider. This isn't just a broadcast from a newsroom; it's a conversation straight from the heart of Bulldog country, brought to you by the Duluth News Tribune. Hosts Matt Wellens, a seasoned reporter, and Zach Schneider, a My9 sports commentator, bring their distinct perspectives to the microphone, creating a dynamic that feels like listening in on a knowledgeable debate between friends. The real texture of the show comes from the voices you hear alongside them-current University of Minnesota Duluth players sharing the view from the locker room, coaches breaking down strategy beyond the post-game quotes, and alumni connecting today's team to its storied legacy. You'll get more than just scores and highlights. This podcast digs into the stories behind the season: the developing strategies, the personal journeys of athletes, and the pivotal moments that define a program. It’s essential listening for anyone who lives and breathes UMD hockey, offering an insider's access that goes far beyond the standard game recap. Tune in weekly for the analysis, the interviews, and the passion that only a community deeply invested in its team can provide.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 228

Bulldog Insider
Podcast Episodes
S8 E27: Season finale and Q&A with the insiders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:20
The memorable run for the University of Minnesota Duluth mens hockey team ended this past Sunday with a 4-3 loss to the No. 1 overall seed, Michigan, in an NCAA regional final at MVP Arena in Albany, New York. The Bulldo…
S8 E25: Shattuck, Russia and NCHC playoffs with Daniel Shlaine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:51
At 2 p.m. on Sunday, the University of Minnesota Duluth mens hockey team will hear their name called during the 2026 NCAA tournament selection show on ESPNU for the first time since winning their last Frozen Faceoff titl…
S8 E24: Grayden Siepmann and the Bulldogs are cooking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:43
The second part of a "double dog week" is here for the Bulldog Insider podcast with another episode, this one featuring freshman defenseman Grayden Siepmann of the UMD mens team. The native of Langley, British Columbia,…
S8 E23: Ashley Messier makes an impact [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:42
The season is not done for Ashley Messier and the UMD womens hockey team! They earned a sixth-consecutive NCAA tournament berth. Messier, a Graduate Student defenseman from Wilcox, Saskatchewan, Canada, joined the Bulldo…
S8 E22: Bulldog Bracketology with Matt and Zach [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:45
The NCHC playoffs begin this week and regardless of the outcome of their quarterfinal series, the UMD mens hockey team appears to have secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The UMD womens team fell in their best-of-thre…
S8 E20: Senior blueliners Pierce, Bodnarchuk reflect on UMD journeys [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:10
They're both defensemen, both in their fourth seasons in Bulldog Country and it has been a memorable ride for both Joey Pierce and Riley Bodnarchuk. Pierce, a Hermantown graduate, didn't have to travel far from home for…
S8 E19: Derek Plante: Bulldogs Player, Coach, and Now Dad [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:28
Derek Plante has worn many hats at UMD. He's played hockey for the Bulldogs, coached the Bulldogs and now when he's not scouting in the NHL, the 1993 Hobey Baker finalist a Bulldog Dad. Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by Ma…
S8 E18: Red Wings Let Brady Cleveland Make His Own Life Decisions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:25
Bulldogs defenseman and Detroit Red Wings prospect Brady Cleveland is a two-time transfer, who took a long and winding road to finally reach the college team he wanted to play for as a kid. Bulldog Insider is co-hosted b…
S8 E17: Bechen, Bentz Jumped at Chance to Be Bulldogs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:02
When Minnesota Duluth associate head coach Adam Krause came calling, wingers Blake Bechen and Harper Bentz answered to join their junior hockey teammates on a growing 2024-25 rookie class at UMD. Bulldog Insider is co-ho…