He played junior hockey for the Moose Jaw Canucks from 1943 to 1945. In 1945-46 he turned pro with the Kansas City Pla-Mors. He started the next season with the Pla-Mors but was called up to the Chicago Blackhawks in mid-season. For three full seasons he and Bill Gadsby formed the best defence pair on an otherwise lacklustre team. In October, 1950, Nattrass was sold to the Montreal Canadiens. After a year with the Cincinnati Mohawks Nattrass retired in 1951. In his NHL career, all with the Blackhawks, he scored 18 goals and 38 assists.