Paul was part of the school's undefeated 1962 team that won the Middlesex league, State, and New England schoolboy hockey champions.

During 1963 at Melrose High School, Paul tied for the league scoring championship while playing defense.

During his senior year, Paul was recognized as the Boston College team MVP and was a first-team All-American defenseman.

At the end of his senior year of college hockey, Hurley was signed as a free agent by the Boston Bruins.

Paul started his WHA career with the New England Whalers in 1972-1973 and was part of the team's AVCO Cup champions of the World Hockey Association.