He played junior for the Hamilton Whizzers in 1942-43 and then turned pro with the Buffalo Bisons in 1943-44. The New York Rangers accquired him in 1944 and brought him up to their war-ravaged roster. After scoring 13 goals and 8 assists in 1944-45 he was sent down to the minors and never played in the NHL again. Atanas retired in 1957 after a season with the senior North Bay Trappers.