Still, nothing encapsulated his journey quite like an international tournament in Hong Kong. Competing in an elite IIHF youth competition, Hunter found himself facing a level of play beyond anything he had experienced. The rink — located on the 10th floor of a 26-story shopping mall, sunlight reflecting off skyscrapers — felt surreal. His team went 1–3, losing a dramatic bronze medal game in overtime after rallying from a 3–0 deficit.
“The level of hockey there under the IIHF elite youth competition was at a level I’ve never played at before,” he said. “Way higher than high school or the Colts travel team. It was a whole other thing.”
The tournament wasn’t just an opportunity to play at the highest level of international competition. It was also a chance for Hunter’s Filipino grandparents to see him play for the first time.
“Before the first game, my grandpa asked my mom, ‘Does Dylan know how to skate?’” Hunter said, laughing at the memory. “It was really great having them there. I’d look out during stoppages and know they came. They were there for all of it.”
His grandparents not only watched every game, but even had a chance to ride the team bus following the final game back to the hotel.
It was a unique opportunity for Hunter to represent his culture and heritage on the world stage, and collect memories that will last a lifetime.
“(I’m) proud I can be a part of this community and say that I was able to represent my nation,” he said. “Not a lot of people can say they’ve done that. I’m really proud to do that.”
His team featured Filipino players from the United States, Switzerland, Canada, and even Qatar, coming together to represent their roots.
“In hockey not a lot of players are from the Philippines,” Hunter said. “Having everyone together was great.”
Despite his travels and ambitions—including a commitment to the United States Naval Academy, where he’ll attempt to make the hockey team—Hunter remains rooted in Montville. He’s a junior firefighter, a volunteer, and a visible presence in the town that raised him.
“I love Montville,” he said simply. “I’ve always been here. I love supporting the community.”
For Dylan Hunter, the path from a video game to international ice has been shaped by heritage and community, by mornings at local rinks and memories made thousands of miles away, by bridging cultural divides and making lasting memories.
Even if they didn’t ultimately win the tournament, Hunter’s favorite quote rings true.
“Reach for the stars so if you fail, you can land on a cloud.”
Photos courtesy of Dylan Hunter