Born in Cashion's Glen, Ontario, McDonald played for various senior teams in Fort William, Ontario, and Port Arthur, Ontario, before joining the new New Westminster Royals of the PCHA. He was named to the league's first all-star team in 1912, 1913, and 1914.
McDonald, from Cashion's Glen, Ontario, played for several senior teams in Fort William and Port Arthur before joining the newly formed New Westminster Royals of the PCHA. He was selected to the league's inaugural all-star team in 1912, 1913, and 1914.