MacInnes was a goalie at the University of Michigan, helping the Wolverines to a pair of league titles and a third-place finish at the 1950 NCAA championship.

MacInnes also played for farm teams of the Boston Bruins and the Detroit Red Wings before becoming director of the Ann Arbor Amateur Hockey League.

He held that position until leaving to become head coach at Michigan Technological University.

MacInnes was the head coach of the Michigan Tech Huskies from the 1956-57 season through 1981-82.

His teams won three NCAA championships and seven Western Collegiate Hockey Association titles during his 26 seasons as head coach.