Alex MacDonald was born in Orangedale, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, in 1894. He was a stellar defenceman with various teams in Sydney, Glace Bay and Stellarton. MacDonald earned notable recognition in 1916, when he left the Sydney Millionaires to join the Glace Bay Miners, who went on to win the Maritime Championship that season.

In 1923, MacDonald joined the Stellarton club of the Maritime Professional League. He helped the team to the Maritime Championship that season and was voted a league All-Star.

In addition to his talents on the ice, MacDonald was one of the most gentlemanly players in the game. He turned down several offers to play in the National Hockey League, but continued his winning streak, leading the Sydney Millionaires to the Cape Breton Championship in 1926.

Further, MacDonald was an outstanding athlete in track and field, rugby, baseball and softball. He was a member of the renowned 1917 10th Siege Battery Football Team from Halifax, which captured the Eastern Canadian Championships. He also played for the Sydney Eastern Canadian Championships. Additionally, MacDonald played for the Sydney Christ Church Maritime Senior Softball Championship Team in 1933.

Alex MacDonald passed away in 1952 at the age of 58. He is an Original Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame Inductee.