He played Junior "B" hockey for the Dixie Beehives and then was committed to go to Boston University. However, he played junior for the Braintree Bruins in 1972-73 which got him drafted 130th overall by the California Seals in the 1973 NHL Amateur Draft. Patey decided to turn pro and forego university. He turned pro with the Salt Lake Golden Eagles of the Western League and won the leading rookie award in 1973-74. The next season he became an offensive star, scoring 25 goals for the Seals. He was traded to the New York Rangers in 1984 but his career was almost over. Patey retired in 1985.