Nistico played junior hockey for the Westfort Hurricanes from 1967-70 then went to the major junior London Knights from 1970-73. He was chosen 105th overall by the Minnesota North Stars in the 1973 NHL Amateur Draft and 56th overall by the Toronto Toros in the 1973 WHA Amateur Draft. Opting to sign with the Toros, he split the next three seasons between the WHA team and the minor pros. He finally played a full season with the team in 1976-77 as they became the Birmingham Bulls. His WHA totals included 44 goals and 72 assists in 186 games played.