Born in Fort William (now Thunder Bay), Ontario, Chorney played four successful seasons of college hockey at the University of North Dakota. He was named to the NCAA All-Tournament team in 1980, and two first All Star teams in 1981. He began his playing career with the Pittsburgh Penguins who drafted him in the sixth round of the 1979 NHL Entry Draft. Chorney was traded to the Los Angeles Kings for a sixth round choice (Stuart Marston) in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft. After spending a season with the Kings, he was signed by the Washington Capitals but failed to earn a spot on the roster.