McConnell is one of the most accomplished hockey players in McGill University history, being a member of four championship teams including one in which he was captain.

After graduation, McConnell served in the Royal Canadian Navy and died during patrols in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

McConnell continued to play ice hockey with the Montreal Royals, which made the Allan Cup finals in 1941.

On October 9, 1942, McConnell's remains, identified by a school ring, washed up on Anticosti Island.

McConnell was awarded the Ken Stewart Cup as most valuable player in the Quebec Senior Hockey League.