The Edmonton native scored 95 goals in three seasons with the hometown Oil Kings of the WCJHL. He remained at home during most of his first five pro seasons as a member of the WHL's Flyers. During the 1956 playoffs, he dressed for six games while helping the Detroit Red Wings reach the finals.

The crafty pivot joined Detroit on a regular basis in 1959-60 when he formed an efficient line with Billy McNeill and Val Fonteyne. The next season he helped the club reach the Stanley Cup finals where they lost to the Chicago Black Hawks. A few weeks later, Melnyk was sent to the Hawks for their captain Eddie Litzenberger. He played 63 games for the team in 1961-62 but was spent most of the next five years in the minors. Melnyk's only action with the Hawks during this time was when he played six matches during the club's run to the final in 1965.

Melnyk scored 71 points for the CHL's St. Louis Braves in 1966-67 and was named to the league's second all-star team. The St. Louis Blues selected the veteran centre in the 1967 expansion draft and used him in 73 games during their inaugural season. Melnyk retired in 1968 after scoring 50 points for the Blues and helping them reach the Stanley Cup finals.

Courtesy of the Hockey Hall of Fame