While playing for the Indianapolis Checkers in 1981, Melanson won the Ken McKenzie Trophy as rookie of the year of the Central Hockey League. Along with Billy Smith, Melanson won the William M. Jennings Trophy in the 1982–83 season. Melanson played junior hockey with the Windsor Spitfires and Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League from 1977-80. He was drafted by the New York Islanders in the third round, 59th overall, in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft. After spending some time with the New Jersey Devils and the Montreal Canadiens Melanson retired in 1994.