He played junior hockey with the Guelph Biltmores from 1939-41 and then joined the Detroit Red Wings' organization. He won a Stanley Cup in 1942-43, He played for Canadian Army teams in Toronto from 1942-45. After World War II Holota played pro hockey again. He was a first all-star with the AHL's Cleveland Barons in 1947-48. Holota died as a result of a car accident on March 7, 1951, while a member of the Denver Falcons.