Jay Merkley grew up playing hockey in the Calgary Buffaloes Organization. After the Buffaloes, Jay continued his career in the WHL where he played four years, splitting his time between the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Swift Current Broncos. After his WHL career, Jay went on to play three years at the University of Lethbridge where he earned his education degree. Jay is now a teacher and Assistant Coach with the South Alberta Hockey Academy’s U17 Prep team.