Buckna began his career with his hometown amateur team, the Trail Smoke Eaters, in 1932. During his rookie year, he helped the team to a Savage Cup championship as the top provincial senior hockey team in British Columbia. Back in North America, he was offered a contract with the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL) after a successful tryout, but declined. He resumed playing with the Smoke Eaters and led the club with 66 points in 1941–42.