Born in Mattawa, Ontario, Rodden officiated in 1,187 National Hockey League games.

He was a student at Queen's University from 1910 to 1913,[2] earning 15 letters in rugby football and ice hockey over that period.

In hockey, Rodden coached De La Salle College, a high school team, in the 1920–21 season.

In 1925, he coached the University of Toronto Schools Rugby team to an undefeated season, winning the Canadian Interscholastic Championship.

Rodden was coach of the Toronto St. Pats until his contract was terminated in January 1927,[3] just before the club was sold and became the Maple Leafs.