Dominic Nuanes played the 2022-23 season with the Littleton Hockey Association’s 18U team, his second season with the Hawks.

That season earned him notice from junior hockey teams, and the Littleton native will play the 2023-24 season with the USPHL’s Cincinnati Jr. Cyclones.

“An old coach reached out who is now with the Cincinnati Cyclones’ ECHL team and asked if I’d like to play for the junior team,” Nuanes said. “It’s super exciting to get away from home after playing at home my whole life to begin a new journey, both on and off the ice.

“It’s an exciting and great opportunity to play in the USPHL. Not only do they send guys to college hockey, but they also send guys up to Tier II junior hockey as well.”

Aside from his two seasons playing for Littleton, Nuanes played for the Foothills Flyers growing up, switched to the Colorado Rampage his 15U year, and then played LHA for 16U and 18U.

“Playing at Littleton was a great experience,” said Nuanes. “In the two years I played, I met some of my best friends, on and off the ice. Littleton gave a new level of confidence in my game that has allowed me to progress and gave me the tools to be able to play at the next level.”

Nuanes also credited several coaches for helping develop his game.

“Dylan Bozeman, who now coaches the Foothills girls program, has been a huge influence and reason I have made it as far as I have,” Nuanes said. “Two others are Taylor Hoyt and Brian TenEyck, both at Littleton.”

His USPHL season now in full swing, Nuanes has his eyes on the future as well.

“My short-term goal is to make it to Tier II junior hockey in the NAHL,” he said. “Long term is to play college hockey.”

Photo provided by Dominic Nuanes

— Matt Mackinder

(September 27, 2023)