Crashley was a promising rushing defenceman in his rookie year of 1967–68 with Detroit where he wore sweater #15 and was paired with Gary Bergman.
His style of play was not encouraged by coach Sid Abel who reportedly instructed Crashley to not carry the puck past his own blueline.
Crashley was selected by the New York Islanders in 1972 expansion draft, but opted to join Los Angeles Sharks of the World Hockey Association, spending two seasons there.
After retiring from playing in 1980 Crashley became a coach in the Austrian Hockey League, and served as player-coach during his comeback from 1983 to 1985.
He also coached of the Campbellford Rebels of the Empire B Junior C Hockey League in 2012–13.