Andy McDonald played four seasons of college hockey for the Colgate University Red Raiders from 1996 to 2000. He was a highly productive forward, increasing his point total each year. In his senior season, he was named team captain and had a career year with 58 points on 25 goals and 33 assists. His exceptional performance earned him several accolades, including being named the ECAC Player of the Year, a First-Team All-American, and a top-ten finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award in 2000. McDonald graduated with a degree in International Relations.

After going undrafted, McDonald signed with the Anaheim Ducks as a free agent in 2000. He went on to have a successful NHL career, playing for the Ducks and the St. Louis Blues. He was a key offensive contributor for the Anaheim Ducks team that won the Stanley Cup in 2007. In his 12 NHL seasons, McDonald played in 685 regular season games, tallying 182 goals and 307 assists for 489 points. He announced his retirement in 2013.