He started out as a backup goalie with the St, Michaels Majors of the Ontario Hockey Association Junior "A" league in 1951-52, but graduated to first-string by 1953-54. That was the day of the six-team NHL and goaltending jobs were few and far between. His rights belonged to the Toronto Maple Leafs and he saw only limied action with the big team. Most of his career was spent in the minor pros and senior ranks. McNamara did not play in the 1964-65 and 1965-66 seasons but returned in 1966-67.He won the Allan Cup in 1972 and retired in 1973.