He played junior hockey for the Regina Pats from 1931 to 1933, getting to the 1932-33 Memorial Cup Final which the Pats lost. After playing with the senior Prince Albert Mintos in 1933-34, he joined the Boston Bruins in 1934. Motter spent two seasons going between the Bruins and their farm team the Boston Cubs. He then spent a season and a half before being traded to the Detroit Red Wings in 1937. Red Wings General Manager Jack Adams switched Motter to defenceman which turned out to be a great move. Motter played six solid seasons for Detroit, winning the Stanley Cup in 1943.