Drafted by the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League, Bryan McLay began his professional career with the Cincinnati Mohawks of the International Hockey League in 1957. After three seasons with various eastern teams, he returned to the IHL in 1960 with the Muskegon Zephyrs, a new franchise in the league. During his 13-year career with Muskegon, McLay notched 500 goals and 646 assists for 1,146 points in 936 games to lead the franchise in all four categories.
His career highlights included a league record six-goal outing against the Fort Wayne Komets on March 8, 1961. With the renamed Mohawks, McLay posted a career high 119 points in 1965-66 to pace Muskegon in scoring and finishing fifth in individual IHL scoring for that year. A team captain for seven seasons, he played on two Turner Cup championship teams and seven Huber Trophy regular season championship squads. Over his 14-year career in the IHL, McLay notched 516 goals, 664 assists and 1,180 points.
A knee injury midway through the 1972-73 season ended McLay’s playing career. Out of respect for his accomplishments his jersey, No. 12, was retired by the Muskegon franchise. He remained in Muskegon as coach, assistant general manager and finally general manager of the Mohawks until his retirement in 1979.