The Hobey Baker Award, given to the NCAA's top men's hockey player, has a long history of winners, from Neal Broten in 1981 to Ike Howard last season. Many of those winners have gone on to have solid NHL careers, and plenty of recent winners are stars in the league today — Macklin Celebrini (2024), Adam Fantilli (2023), Cole Caufield (2021) and Cale Makar (2019) among them.
This year's three finalists were a mix, from 20-year-old second-rounder Max Plante (Red Wings), to 22-year-old fifth-rounder Eric Pohlhamp (Sharks), to undrafted 24-year-old T.J. Hughes.
After the semifinal was played at the Frozen Four on Thursday, only one of these players is still standing, as Pohlkamp's Denver Pioneers will face Wisconsin in the championship on Saturday.
On Friday evening, Plante was announced as the Hobey Baker winner. Below, Scout Jason Bukala gives his report on each finalist.
SCOUT'S ANALYSIS
After two exciting semifinal games, Friday's off-day at the Frozen Four provided an opportunity for the NCAA to hand out the Hobey Baker Award.
All three of the finalists were worthy of being recognized as the top men’s college hockey players this season.
With Plante taking home the honours, here’s a look at the three finalists.
T.J. Hughes, Forward, Michigan Wolverines
Hughes is a graduating senior who captained the Wolverines to a Frozen Four berth and ends his college career with 69 goals and 110 assists in 156 games. He was a consistent contributor offensively from the day he arrived in Ann Arbor and finished second in NCAA scoring this season with 22 goals and 35 assists in 40 games.
Hughes is an undrafted free agent who will undoubtedly sign with an NHL club and could challenge for a roster spot next fall. The six-foot, 185-pound, right-shot centre was deployed in all situations with the Wolverines.
The Hamilton, Ont., native provides more than just offence. His competitive approach in all three zones stands out and projects Hughes as a prospect who could slot into a variety of roles at the pro level.
Max Plante, Forward, Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs
Plante is a Detroit Red Wings prospect who was selected in the second round (47th overall) in 2024. The five-foot-11, 180-pound forward averaged over 21 minutes per game this season for the Bulldogs while being deployed in all situations. He produced 25 goals and 27 assists in 40 games and had an impressive plus-19 rating.
Plante is a relentless competitor who plays a detailed, fast, skilled game. He’s a dual-threat off the rush who can pull up to distribute the puck or make plays to the net off his own stick.
Plante is a coach's dream. He’s trustworthy and the kind of player who demonstrates a self-motivation that contributes to his team’s success on a consistent basis.
Eric Pohlkamp, Defenceman, Denver Pioneers
Pohlkamp was the top defenceman in NCAA scoring this season (18 goals, 21 assists in 42 games). He has contributed 29 goals and 45 assists in 86 games over two seasons at Denver after transferring from Bemidji State following his freshman season. The five-foot-11, 210-pound, right-shot defender was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the fifth round (132nd overall) in 2023.
Pohlkamp is sturdy and strong. He has the strength to win the majority of his puck battles along the boards and gap up to kill plays in transition.
He averaged over 23 minutes per game for the Pioneers and, like the other two finalists, was deployed in all situations. His best work, arguably, came in the offensive zone.
Pohlkamp is an aggressive shooter. He rarely passes up an opportunity to direct pucks on net and has proven he can beat goalies from range with his hard and accurate shot.
