If you’re a hockey fan and you’ve never heard of the Plante Brothers you may as well be living under a rock. These brothers are nothing short of extraordinary.

Zam and Max Plante come from a very hockey-centered household. Their father, Derek Plante, played for the Bulldogs from 1989-1993, then went on to play in the NHL and win the Stanley Cup in 1999 for the Dallas Stars. 

According to the brothers, it felt like any other house - just a little more hockey-focused. With an ice rink in the backyard and a hockey game usually played on the TV, the boys were surrounded  by hockey. 

“It wasn’t always ‘hockey, hockey, hockey” Max said. “But we definitely had moments where our lives revolve around it.”

The Plantes grew up with a father who played in the NHL and a grandfather who coached hockey – of course Max and Zam were going to play hockey. A family of athletes, the competition wasn’t only confined to the rink.

“I’d say it was competitive, not just in hockey,” Zam said. "We would compete with each other in every way.”

This competition didn’t stop when they both got to college. According to the brothers, their fights have turned into a new television series for their roommates. 

“As much as we fight, we love each other,” Zam said. “It might seem concerning to others, but this is how we are.”

The brothers had some time away from each other before coming to college. Zam spent two seasons playing in the United States Hockey League for Chicago Steel and Fargo Force, an experience he’s grateful for. 

“The two years I spent there were amazing,” Zam said. “The first year was spent really trying to figure things out, while the second year is spent trying to be a leader and help the others out.”

Equally grateful was Max, who spent two years in Michigan playing for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. 

“It was a great experience, you go out every day with people who love doing the same thing as you. You’re able to make friends and create bonds with people you’ll probably have for the rest of your life. It was amazing.”

The brothers have been at UMD for just three months and have already made a name for themselves, but both are still trying to improve themselves.

“I’ve been trying to find my place,” Zam said. “I’m trying to become a better player not only during the games but also the practices.”

While Max was only able to participate in one game so far this year because of an upper-body injury, this hasn’t kept him from his skates.

“I’ve been practicing my skating and trying to stay fit until I can get back on the ice,” Max said.

Since this is the first time playing with each other since high school, the Plantes shared their thoughts regarding playing together again. 

“We haven’t been able to play much together, but when we did, it’s been fun,” Max said.

“It’s fun to play with each other again,” Zam said. “We’re slowly getting back to how we used to be together.”

When asked if either ever considered quitting hockey,Zam was the first to answer this question. 

“No, I mean every time you get hurt it's kinda like; ‘ah this again’. I don’t think I’ve ever thought ‘I’m done, I quit’. It’s all about taking care of myself and getting back at it when things are better.”

Max took a second to answer. 

“No, this has been something I’ve looked forward to since I was young and will look forward to in the future. I don't think there’s ever been a moment when I’ve thought of quitting.” 

It’s no wonder these boys have already been drafted into the NHL, Zam by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2022, and Max by the Detroit Red Wings in 2024. 

“It was cool, really cool,” Zam said. “Our biggest dream is probably the NHL. However, as much as this is an accomplishment it doesn’t mean much yet. We’ve got to keep working hard to be signed. But it still was a huge honor and I can’t wait.” 

“It’s been unreal. My dream has always been to play for the Bulldogs and hopefully beyond,” Max said. “To be drafted already is an honor.”