He played one season with the Trail Smoke Eaters of the British Columbia Hockey League before returning to Brandon, and spent his rookie season as the backup goalie. Offered a scholarship to the University of Maine, McVicar went there in 2000, but was ruled ineligible by the NCAA so returned to Brandon in November that year. With three goalies on the team, McVicar played limited minutes in the season, but was named the starter for the 2001–02 season. After the season ended he was selected 151st overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, though McVicar remained with Brandon for one final year before turning professional.