Sep 05, 2014 | tjohnston | 2327 views
Who Is Ray McKay?
The 6'4'' native of Edmonton Alberta played junior with the WCJHL's Moose Jaw Canucks before turning pro with the Dallas Black Hawks of the CHL in 1967-68. He was chiefly a Chicago farmhand for three years while occasionally being summoned by the parent club, the Chicago Black Hawks. In June 1971, the Buffalo Sabres in the Intra-League Draft picked up McKay. He played 39 games and provided leadership on the club's young blueline.
In 1972-73, McKay was a regular on the AHL's Cincinnati Swords when they won the Calder Cup. A few weeks later, the California Golden Seals in the Intra-League Draft claimed him. The solid rearguard played 72 games and did what he could for the club's woeful defence.
McKay joined the WHA's Edmonton Oilers in 1974-75 and ended up playing for three other franchises over the next four years. He returned to the AHL in 1978-79 with the Springfield Indians then retired the next summer after playing most of the year with the Hershey Bears.
A few of Ray's awards include CMJHL First All-Star Team (1967), AHL First All-Star Team (1973) and the Eddie Shore Award (Outstanding Defenseman - AHL)(1973).
Ray also coached the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League for two seasons.
For 23 years Ray has been known for his specialized defencemen's hockey school. He ran it out of Ilderton but also ran schools in Alberta where he visits in the fall.
There are few people that have the knowledge and experience of Ray and we are very luck to have him spend time with our defense whenever he is able.
Thanks Ray!!