A native of Winnipeg, Bathgate grew up in a hockey family, playing on outdoor rinks in Manitoba. The youngest of three boys -- he also had two sisters -- Andy was the third of the brothers to pick up the game of hockey. His oldest brother Bernie played semi-pro hockey across Canada. As his career progressed, Andy had the opportunity to play junior hockey with his brother Frank and the pair went on to play a pair of games together as rookies with the New York Rangers.
After developing a reputation as a talented player in Winnipeg, Bathgate signed a contract to become property of the New York Rangers.