December 25 – IST PAUL – When Max Plant stepped into the Grand Casino area on Christmas morning, a wave of nostalgia washed over him.
In March 2022, he walked the halls of ice in the former Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The 16-year-old was a sophomore at Hermantown High School when he helped the program win its fourth state Class A championship.
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“The last time I was here, I was wearing a medal and carrying my Hermantown bag,” Plant recalled. “I was probably 5-foot-4, 5-foot-5 at the most…I’m 6-foot, 180 pounds now, but I have a little bit of deja vu.”
Plant, now 19, is one of two Team USA skaters who has experienced playing on the biggest stage in Minnesota prep hockey. On the same day, March 13, 2022, Hill-Murray linebacker Logan Hensler had a similar experience.
As a freshman, Hensler competed in the Class AA championship game. Just hours after Plant and Hermantown defeated Warrod, the Pioneers defeated Prior Lake in the third-place game.
“When you come from Minnesota, this is your dream,” Hensler said of playing in the state tournament. “This is the NHL for you. To have the opportunity to do this so early in my career – my freshman year – is pretty special. It’s cool to have the whole school support you.”
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Since that day, neither Plant nor Hensler has played a game at the Minnesota Wild’s home court. Both are headed to the U.S. National Team Development Program following the 2021-22 season, setting the stage for the remainder of their high school careers in Minnesota. Plant returned to the Hermantown area to play for Minnesota-Duluth, while Hensler crossed the border to play for Wisconsin.
However, as the two Americans prepare for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in the Twin Cities, memories of their recent matches at the Grand Casino Arena are starting to resurface.
“The fact that I’m able to compete still feels like a dream,” Plant said of the 2022 tournament. “It all happened so fast, but making it to the state championship was a big goal of mine. This is one of the best moments of my life.
“It’s kind of like last year’s World Juniors; it’s something you always see on TV or in a crowd. But when you’re actually in that situation, it doesn’t feel that real. It’s very special and it gives you chills just thinking about it.”
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For the better part of two decades, Plant was virtually guaranteed to make a March trip to St. Paul. His grandfather, Bruce, coached the Hawks to 13 state championship games before stepping down in 2017.
“He lost a lot, but he won a lot — a lot of second place,” said Plant, who witnessed most of those games.
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Hensler, a native of Woodbury, Minn., didn’t have to make the trek to Plant for the state championships growing up. But when it was his turn to take the field, he felt the gravity of the moment during the traditional roster readout before the quarterfinals.
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“The biggest thing I remember was coming out and warming up for the first time,” he said. Advertisement
Hill-Murray is the top seed in the 2022 eight-team tournament. The Blazers narrowly defeated Lakeville South 3-2 before losing to Andover in the semifinals.
Hermantown has an easier path to the tournament title on Saturday. The Eagles outscored New Prague and Alexandria 12-2 in the first two rounds to seal the win.
Defeated Warroad by one goal to win the championship.
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Plant scored two goals and dished out three assists in 31 games for a total of 72 points.
“It’s awesome, especially because of how we did it,” Plant said. “The Warrods are a really good team. We were up 3-2 in the third quarter. We just held the lead – they only had three shots on goal the entire third quarter. That’s a testament to our team. We’re a great hockey team. To win a game with those guys from your hometown and from your hometown, that’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.”
Plant and Hensler both skated at last year’s WJC meet in Ottawa during their freshman seasons in college. Plante has one goal and two assists in six games. Hensler played in all seven games and had an assist in helping the U.S. win its second consecutive gold medal.
Despite winning gold a year ago, they admit being hosts will bring different expectations when the competition kicks off on Boxing Day.
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“I think it does add more pressure, but the pressure is on the team,” Plant said. “We know what we have and what we have as a team. Three games in a row is going to be really special and to have the home crowd behind us is awesome. We’re going to use that to our advantage. I’m excited to get out there.”
Hensler added: “You just have to keep your head above water. We have a really good team in the locker room. We’re close. We have a really good team this year, so I’m excited… I’m excited, especially for all Minnesotans, to have the World Juniors here. It’s a big deal; we know that. It’s special.”
Plant hopes the déjà vu feeling he feels on Christmas morning is just the beginning. He hopes to walk triumphantly up the steps of GCA Hall to meet his friends and family just like he did four years ago.
“I’ve been talking to the guys and saying, ‘Yeah, last time I was here, I was kind of awesome. We won everything,'” Plant quipped. “But I’m 3-0 in this building and I hope we can continue that.”
Team USA will begin their quest for a third consecutive gold medal against Team Germany on December 26 at 5:00 pm at the Grand Casino Arena.