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: 50

Bulldog Insider
Podcast Episodes
S8 E10: First Texan Bulldog - Villanueva's Unlikely Goaltending Origin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Sophia Villanueva is the first Bulldog — men or women — to call Texas home. However, Texas is just one of the plethora of places the Minnesota Duluth freshman goaltender has called home in her young life. Villanueva's fa…
S8 E9: Ty Hanson Is Leading From Blue Line [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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S8 E8: We Answer Your Burning Questions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:36
You had questions — a lot of them — and the "Insiders" who cover the Minnesota Duluth men's and women's hockey teams have answers. Some of them may actually be good answers. The radio voice of Bulldogs hockey, Bruce Cisk…
S8 E7: Scandinavian Rivals Become Teammates at UMD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:40
Finland's Krista Parkkonen and Sweden's Thea Johansson transferred to Minnesota Duluth not only to improve themselves as hockey players, but their national team programs ahead of the 2026 Olympics. Bulldog Insider is co-…
S8 E6: Zam Plante Takes On Hockey, Hunting, His Family [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:40
UMD's Zam Plante joins the Bulldog Insider Podcast to talk hockey, hunting and the competitive nature of his family. The Hermantown native also answers the questions submitted by you and his family. Bulldog Insider is co…
S8 E5: Eve Gascon Balances Olympic Dreams and UMD Hockey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:11
UMD junior goaltender Eve Gascon is juggling more than just pucks in the crease this season, backstopping the Bulldogs while trying to make the 2026 Canadian Olympic women's hockey team. Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by M…
S8 E4: Arnott & Shaugabay Strike Lightning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:45
UMD sophomore wingers Callum Arnott and Jayson Shaugabay return to the podcast to break down Tampa Bay Lighting development camp, the Bulldogs' trip to Alaska and this season's living arrangements. Bulldog Insider is co-…
S8 E2: TikTok Tips from UMD's Most Viral Captain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:53
Bulldogs captain Mary Kate O'Brien is kind of a big deal on the ice and off it, giving a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a college hockey players on TikTok. Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by Matt Wellens and Zach Sch…
S8 E1: Inside the 2025-26 UMD Hockey Season: Preview & Predictions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:39
The Bulldog Insider Podcast is back for Season 8. The 'Insiders' Matt, Zach and Bruce preview the upcoming 2025-26 UMD men's and women's hockey seasons, and answer questions submitted by listeners. Bulldog Insider is co-…