In his early years, Hay played goaltender for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and led the team to an Allan Cup final in 1921. After a long business career in the petroleum industry, he retired and began working with Hockey Canada, eventually succeeding Maxwell Bell as its president. During his time with Hockey Canada, Hay worked to develop programs for coach certification, student ice hockey scholarships, and hockey research. He also provided administrative guidance and negotiations for the Summit Series.