Born in Montreal, Quebec, Micalef was drafted 44th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in 1981 after a standout junior career with the Sherbrooke Castors.

In 1980, he won the Jacques Plante Memorial Trophy for having the lowest goals against average in the high scoring QMJHL.

He also represented Canada at the 1981 World Junior Championships before turning pro the next season.

During his time in Detroit, Micalef was chiefly used in a tandem with goaltenders Gilles Gilbert and Greg Stefan.

He was named to the Canadian national team at the 1986 World Championships but did not play any games, before taking his hockey career to Europe in 1986–87, making stops in Switzerland, France, and Italy.