Ray McKay

Ray McKay (born August 22, 1946, in Edmonton, Alberta) is a former professional ice hockey defenceman. He played in the National Hockey League with the Chicago Black Hawks, Buffalo Sabres, and California Golden Seals. He also played in the World Hockey Association with the Edmonton Oilers, Cleveland Crusaders, Birmingham Bulls, and Minnesota Fighting Saints.

McKay started out with the junior Moose Jaw Canucks from 1965–67 and then turned pro in the Chicago Blackhawks' system in 1967-68. He played mostly in the minors with only an occasional call-up to the Hawks.

In 1971, he was acquired by the Buffalo Sabres and played 39 games for them in 1971-72. The next season he was a regular on the Calder Cup-winning Cincinnati Swords, winning the Eddie Shore Award as outstanding defenceman. The next season he was claimed by the California Golden Seals and played one season on that weak team.

He jumped to the World Hockey Association's Edmonton Oilers in 1974. That was the first of four seasons as a regular in that league. He finished off his career in 1980 after two seasons in the American Hockey League.

In his NHL career, McKay played in 140 games, scoring two goals and adding sixteen assists. In the WHA, McKay played in 212 games, scoring fourteen goals and adding forty-four assists.

He coached the Medicine Hat Tigers in the 1982-83 and 1983-84 seasons.

Awards

 * 1972-73 Eddie Shore Award (American Hockey League)