Aye Chunhasomboon brings worldwide experience to the co-op Glenbrook girls’ hockey team, which went 10-4-3 in the 7-team Metro Girls Founders regular season.

She is in her second season skating for Glenbrook after playing in Thailand before the pandemic.

“Hockey in Thailand is limited to a small group of people because we do not have a lot of rinks to play at. There were only two standard-size rinks in Bangkok while I was there and one of them was shut down a little prior to the pandemic. The rest were small rinks,” she said. “My mother took me to the rink (years ago) and asked me if I wanted to learn how to skate. Hockey followed soon after that.

“I would say the main difference (between hockey in the U.S. and Thailand) is the quality of the rinks that we played on. The ice sheet is much smoother here.”

Her mom talked about moving to the U.S. when American students started returning to in-school learning. “At that time, (the) COVID situation in Thailand was at its peak and online learning was not effective at all,” she said.

They moved to the U.S. in July 2021.

“I visited the U.S. in 2018 and we have relatives here as well, so it was not scary for me; I was just curious what school here would be like,” said Chunhasomboon, 15, whose aunt and uncle live in Glenview, where she now lives too.

Now a sophomore at Glenbrook South High School, Chunhasomboon sports jersey No. 77, mostly because her dad said 777 is a lucky number.

She has 2 goals, 1 assist in 14 games.

“My first game ever was when I was 10 years-old, playing on a 12U team. I did not get a lot of game time but it was fun chasing the puck,” said Chunhasomboon, who brings a quick shot in front of the goal.

“I continue to play hockey because it is fun to me.

“My favorite hockey-playing memory is probably during my first lesson. There was so much to learn. I still am always happy that I get to be out there and play, even during the games that we lost.”

Chunhasomboon said her confidence has increased this season and she truly cherished the moment when Glenbrook defeated New Trier in a surprise moment for many.

“My favorite goal was my first-ever goal, simply because it was my first,” she said.

Chunhasomboon is undecided on her college plans, but wants to pursue an art school, and hopefully continue playing hockey.

Slapshots With … Glenbrook forward Aye Chunhasomboon

Away From Hockey: Enjoys drawing and badminton

Little-known Facts: “I like eggnog and almonds.”

Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks

Favorite NHL Player: Patrick Kane

Favorite Pre-game Meal: Pepperoni Hot Pocket

Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: Alex Turner

Hardest Slapshot On Glenbrook Girls Team: Emma Brajkovic

Most Accurate Shot: Libby McGurn

Fastest Skater: Claire Nickgorski

Best High School Uniforms (other than Glenbrook): Warren