LINDSTROM, Minn. — Hockey is a family affair for Laine DeVries.
"My mom's side of the family is a big hockey family," she said. DeVries grew up playing on her grandfather's pond every winter (former Golden Gopher Doug Peltier ) with her sisters and cousins.
"We still play pond hockey every Christmas."
DeVries has grown up with four sisters, two older and two younger. The two eldest, Claire and Grace , both currently play Division-III hockey for Williams College and Middlebury College.
"We push each other, we're very competitive."
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Currently, Laine plays with her younger sister, Nora, for Chisago Lakes.
The 5-foot-6 defender finished up her junior season with 23 points in 27 games played. Her senior year will be her sixth season playing varsity high school hockey.
"I come with a competitive attitude every day, I'm always excited to learn, and I'm really gritty and very physical," says DeVries about her game, stating that she considers herself both an offensive threat as well as a stay at home defender.
The Chisago Lakes team was only one game away from making it to the state tournament this past season, which only made them hungrier to get there this next year.
"Our goal is to get to state ... We've got great senior leadership this year and a lot of girls who are excited to learn," said DeVries, who will be one of the senior captains this season.
"I lead by example and I'm kind of quiet, but I'm very willing to speak my mind when I think it's the correct time," she said, adding that she loves teaching the younger players and helping them grow in their skills.
We are so excited to announce our 2022-23 captains!
— CL Girls HS Hockey (@CLGirlsHSHockey) August 1, 2022
Senior Captain #7 Syd Kerkow
Senior Captain #5 Laine DeVries
Junior Captain #1 Bre Ritter
Junior Assistant Captain #9 Brooke Klemz#traditionstartshere pic.twitter.com/EJLDAlO25K
Last August, DeVries announced her commitment to play Division-I hockey for the University of St. Thomas.
Although making a college decision is never easy, Laine credits her family for being a big help. "My parents were great guides for me ... they know me better than I know myself sometimes."
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So why St. Thomas?
"They have excellent coaches, we connected right away. I love being near to home ... I can't wait to play in the WCHA," she said.
Being able to play for a newer Division-I program is also something that struck a chord for DeVries.
Even though hockey is her main sport, you can expect to find Laine playing tennis in the fall or golf in the spring.
"I love being a multi-sport athlete, it keeps hockey fresh and I don't get burnt out," she said.
Aside from athletics, DeVries enjoys activities like hiking and painting, and is a bit of a self-proclaimed "book nerd."
