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
S7 E14: Hanson, Kleber Came Prepared to UMD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:49
Minnesota Duluth freshmen defensemen Adam Kleber and Ty Hanson may still be teenagers, but they both know what it's like to live and play hockey away from home. Kleber left Chaska High School following his sophomore year…
S7 E13: Holm, Mobley Transfer to UMD for the Culture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:08
Goaltender Tindra Holm and forward Olivia Mobley entered the transfer portal seeking a school that would push them as hockey players. The culture of the Bulldogs women's hockey program won them over. Bulldog Insider is c…
The Best of Season 7's First Half [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:25
This week on the Bulldog Insider Podcast, we're rewinding the tape and reliving our favorite moments from the first half of Season 7 and the 2024-25 season. Some of the top moments from the first half include the banter…
S7 E12: The 'Insiders' Break Down First Half of 2024-25 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:13
UMD men's and women's hockey is at the holiday break. One team has struggled to start the 2024-25 season. Another is on track to host an NCAA tournament game. The 'Bulldog Insiders' break it down. Bulldog Insider is co-h…
S7 E11: Slovakia's Gajan Proving Doubters Wrong in U.S. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:12
Slovakian goaltender Adam Gajan kept getting overlooked in his home country. That is until he came to the United States to play in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. A few games in, everything changed. Bulldog Insider is co-host…
S7 E10: Pierce, Pionk Share Impact of Adam Johnson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:37
Like many, former UMD and Hibbing forward Adam Johnson made an impact on the lives of Bulldogs defenseman Joey Pierce and Aaron Pionk, both in life and death. Pierce and Pionk joined the DNT's Matt Wellens on the podcast…
S7 E9: The Perfect Crime with Gabby Krause [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:38
UMD senior forward Gabby Krause was forced to medically retire this fall, giving up her dream of playing hockey to preserve another dream of becoming a K9 officer. Bulldog Insider is co-hosted by Matt Wellens and Zach Sc…
S7 E8: Arnott, Shaugabay Take Different Paths to UMD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:09
Roommates Callum Arnott and Jayson Shaugabay, both freshmen forwards for the Bulldogs, share their path from King City and Warroad to UMD, as well as what it's like to live with the Plante brothers. Bulldog Insider is co…
S7 E7: Kraemer Enjoying Life as a Rookie Again [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:22
While most people dread starting from the bottom again, Bulldogs freshman center Caitlin Kraemer is relishing the challenge of once again working her way up the NCAA hockey ladder. On the podcast this week, Kraemer spoke…