He played junior hockey for the Prince Albert Mintos from 1952 to 1954. In 1952-53, his rookie season, Mackay set a record for most goals (60) and most points (100). The next season he againled in goals (57) and points (78). Mackay turned pro in 1954 with the Vancouver Canucks of the Western Hockey League. In 1955-56 he played for the Johnstown Jets of the International Hockey League. Mackay finished off his career in the Eastern Hockey League with the Toledo Mercurys and the Philadelphia Ramblers. He retired in 1959 to take a coaching job in Vienna, Austria.