[2] Hay started his pro career in 1958–59 with the Calgary Stampeders of the Western Hockey League.

[3] The following season he made his debut in the National Hockey League with the Chicago Black Hawks.

In his rookie season he recorded 55 points and was awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy and a spot in the 1960 NHL All-Star Game.

[4] In 1960–61, Hay and his linemates Bobby Hull and Murray Balfour helped the Black Hawks win their first Stanley Cup since 1937–38.

[6] He held the positions until being named the Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ontario.