Born in Milton, Ontario, McDuffe was a Chicago Black Hawks prospect. He enjoyed a fine junior career with the St. Catharines Black Hawks and led the OHA with a 2.93 goals against average in 1966-67. During his first pro season, 1968-69, he appeared in 65 games for the Greensboro Generals of the EHL. McDuffe was placed on the EHL South first all-star team and named its top rookie. The next year, he joined the CHL's Omaha Rangers where he led the league with 26 wins and was named to the league's second all-star team. He followed that up with a 2.77 goals against mark in 57 games and was named to the CHL first all-star team and shared the league MVP award with Andre Dupont, Gerry Ouellette, and Joe Zanussi.

In May 1971, the young netminder was acquired by the St. Louis Blues. After starring for most of the year with the WHL's Denver Spurs, he was recalled by the parent club for the last ten games of the season to back up Ernie Wakely and Jacques Caron. He then joined the New York Rangers but was chiefly a farmhand for two seasons.

McDuffe saw plenty of rubber in 1974-75 after he was claimed by the Kansas City Scouts in the expansion draft. His playing time was reduced after the club acquired Denis Herron from Pittsburgh so he tried his luck with the Detroit Red Wings. McDuffe spent most of his time with the Wings' AHL affiliate then suited up for 12 games with the WHA's Indianapolis Racers before retiring in 1978.

Courtesy of the Hockey Hall of Fame