McAuley played for the New York Rangers, who experienced a shortage of players due to the World War II draft. After serving a year in the military, McAuley was signed by the Rangers and played two seasons with the club. Included was a 15-0 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. With a record of 17–64–15 he was not resigned following the war, the Rangers opted to rotate Charlie Rayner and Jim Henry in net. He played junior hockey for the Edmonton Maple Leafs from 1938 to 1941 and senior hockey for the Regina Rangers in 1941-42. He was the coach of the Edmonton Oil Kings in 1952-53.