He played for the University of Notre Dame from 1973 to 1977. The Cleveland Crusaders chose him 130th overall in the 1974 WHA Amateur Draft while the St. Louis Blues chose him 99th overall in the 1975 NHL Amateur Draft. Brownschidle chose the Blues and turned pro in 1977. After splitting two seasons between the Salt Lake Golden Eagles and the Blues, he became a Blues regular in 1978-79. He was especially proficient as the quarterback of the power play. In the NHL he played in 494 games and scored 39 goals and 162 assists.