John Chase began his formal hockey career at Milton Academy playing on the 1922-23 team. Transferring to Exeter Academy the following year, he played there one year before matriculating at Harvard in the fall of 1924. At Harvard, Chase's strength and skill as a hockey player soared. He played as a regular at center ice as a freshman and as a first line center on the varsity for three years. He was selected as team captain his senior year. Chase also excelled at baseball at Harvard and as an amateur player in later years.

Following graduation from Harvard, Chase was sought after by professional teams, but he chose instead to pursue a business career. He did, however, continue his hockey career with such teams as the Boston Athletic Association, Boston University Club, and Brac Burn Hockey Club. All were strong contenders because of Chase's presence in the line-up. In 1932, he captained the United States Olympic Team which captured the silver medal at Lake Placid, New York losing the final game to Canada 2-1 in a heartbreaker.

When his playing days were over, Chase coached the Harvard varsity for eight years, 1942 through 1950. Not only was John Chase a graceful, heady player and playmaker, but besides all this, he was a talented coach.