He played junior hockey for the West Toronto Nationals from 1928 to 1931 and won the Memorial Cup in 1930. After one season with the senior Toronto Marlboros, Doran turned pro with the New Haven Eagles in 1932-33. Doran played for the New York Americans in 1933-34, 1935-36, and 1936-37. In 1937-38 he played for the Detroit Red Wings and in 1939-40 for the Montreal Canadiens. After leaving pro hockey in 1940-41, he played for the senior Truro Bearcats in 1941-42 and for the senior Montreal Army in 1942-43. He played in a total of 98 NHL games and scored 5 goals and 10 assists.