Learning the game of hockey in the minor programs of Fort William, this future NHL'er contributed to Central Canada and City titles before accepting a full scholarship to the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Named the Bulldogs Freshman of the Year, his four years on defence saw him recognized as one of the most skilled and gifted puck handling defenceman in all of college hockey.

A two-time All-American, labelled 'Mr. Smooth' by his UMD coach, he went on to become a Hobey Baker Award finallist, UMD's all-time career assist record holder, a member of his alma mater's Hall of Fame and named one of the top 50 players in the Half Century for the WCHA.

His quickness and smart play-making earned him a contract with the New York Rangers in 1986 marking the start of his 12 year NHL career. In exactly 500 regular season NHL games he amassed 55 goals and 230 assists, contributing his talents to such teams as the Rangers, Hartford Whalers, Edmonton Oilers, Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins. Joining the Winnipeg Jets in 1996 he holds the distinction of scoring the last goal for the franchise before he relocated with the team when they became the Phoenix Coyotes, finishing up his NHL career with them following the 1998 season.

In addition to his time in the NHL he also skated 197 AHL games with the New Haven Knighthawks, Binghamton Whalers, and Cape Breton Oilers. Named an AHL First Team All-Star for the 1990-91 campaign, he claimed the Eddie Shore Award as the AHL's top defenceman that season and an IHL league title with the Houston Aeros in 1998-99.

Moving behind the bench he served as an Assistant Coach with the Springfield Falcons of the AHL from 2000-03.  Made his way back to the NHL when he signed on as an Assistant Coach with the Boston Bruins. Maciver would later go on to be the assistant general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks and recently he was named director of player personel for the Seattle Kraken.

Inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, September 27, 2003