Plante Brothers Aim to Make NCAA History This Season

In an exciting display of talent, the Plante brothers, Max and Zam, are making headlines in NCAA Division I men’s ice hockey this season. Currently, Max Plante leads the nation with 22 points, while his older brother Zam is trailing closely behind with 19 points. The brothers are set to contribute significantly to the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs as they prepare for their upcoming NCHC series against Omaha at 7:07 p.m. on Friday and 6:07 p.m. on Saturday at Amsoil Arena.

Historic Scoring Potential

Research conducted by Jayson Hajdu, senior director of communications at College Hockey Inc., reveals that no known brothers have ever finished first and second in NCAA scoring. This unique situation raises the question of whether the Plante brothers could make history this season. Max Plante, a 2024 second-round NHL draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings, has achieved his current point total through 10 goals and 12 assists. In contrast, Zam Plante, drafted in 2022 by the Pittsburgh Penguins as a fifth-round pick, has recorded seven goals and 12 assists.

Despite their impressive performances, Zam Plante emphasized that the season is still young, noting that only six weeks have passed. The Bulldogs, currently ranked No. 3 with a record of 10-2 overall and 3-1 in the NCHC, have played just 12 of their 34 regular season games, leaving plenty of opportunities for growth.

“It’s still November,” Zam said during a press conference. “We’ve got a long way to go.” Nevertheless, Max expressed the significance of their current standings, stating, “Not many people get to play with their brother, let alone play on a line with their brother and have success with their brother.”

Dynamic Line Performance

The Plante brothers are part of a highly effective line that includes sophomore wing Jayson Shaugabay, who has also excelled with five goals and 12 assists. Together, the trio has combined for a remarkable total of 58 points, positioning them as the highest-scoring line in the country. This achievement surpasses the performance of Penn State’s top line, which has accumulated 51 points.

Bulldogs head coach Scott Sandelin acknowledged the line’s crucial role in the team’s success. He pointed out that while they may not always score multiple points per game, they consistently deliver when it matters most. “Going into the year, we knew that line was going to be a catalyst for us,” Sandelin stated.

Interestingly, the Plante brothers share a unique camaraderie that transcends competition. “It’s hard to be competitive over points, especially with your linemates,” Zam said, highlighting the collaborative spirit among teammates. Max echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving individual success.

If the Plante brothers achieve their goal of finishing as the top two scorers in the NCAA, they would be grateful for the support of their teammates. Max noted that Shaugabay deserves recognition for his contributions, particularly after their recent victories over SCSU. “Shaugs probably could have had four more assists this weekend if we would have made a play off him,” said Max.

Additionally, defenseman Ty Hanson, another Hermantown native and the second-highest scoring defenseman in the NCAA, has played a vital role, assisting on several goals scored by the Plantes. Meanwhile, Adam Kleber, a sophomore defenseman and 2024 second-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres, has also made significant contributions during games.

Another unsung hero for the Bulldogs is sophomore goaltender Adam Gajan. With a .925 save percentage and a 1.70 goals against average, Gajan has been instrumental in UMD’s success this season, starting all 12 games. “He’s been making saves for us, which has helped everybody else’s confidence throughout the whole lineup,” Zam remarked.

Upcoming Challenge Against Omaha

As the Bulldogs prepare for their match against Omaha, they face a Mavericks team that has undergone significant changes this season. Following the NCAA’s decision to lift restrictions on major junior players from the Canadian Hockey League, Omaha coach Mike Gabinet has brought in several USports athletes, enhancing the team’s roster. Gabinet, who has a background in USports coaching, has acquired seven former USports players, more than any other school this season.

The Mavericks currently sit at 4-4 overall and 2-2 in the NCHC, with sophomore forward Maxime Pellerin leading the team in goals. Coach Sandelin acknowledged the challenge posed by Omaha, stating, “They’ve got some talent and experienced talent. It will be a good challenge.”

As the season unfolds, the Plante brothers’ journey may not only redefine their own careers but also set a remarkable precedent in NCAA history.