He played junior hockey for the Edmonton Oil Kings from 1952 to 1955. He turned pro with the Brandon Regals in 1955-56. In 1956-57 he played 5 games for Detroit; 45 games in 1957-58; and 11 games in 1958-59. In these 61 games Strate did not score a point. Strate continued in the minor pros until his retirement in 1962.