He played junior and senior hockey in Winnipeg from 1924 to 1928. In 1928-29 McAdam turned pro with the Vancouver Lions and played with them until January, 1931, when his rights were sold to the New York Rangers for $5,000. He played five games with the Rangers in 1930-31, going scoreless. McAdam finished the season with the Detroit Olympics and played in 1931-32 for the Springfield Indians.