Jay Croop, a native of Waunakee, Wisconsin, played high school hockey for the Waunakee Warriors. After high school, he moved to Richmond, Virginia to play junior or the Richmond Generals where they won back to back division titles and one league championship his last year with them. Following juniors, Jay went out west to play for the Williston State College Tetons, where they played for a NJCAA national championship.
Since turning pro, Jay has won a Commissioner's Cup with the Carolina Thunderbirds and the Ignite Cup with the Columbus River Dragons. In January of 2024, Croop scored his 100th FPHL and career goal in his 300th FPHL game.
Jay also serves as assistant coach for the River Dragons, and occasionally fills in for head coach Jerome Bechard when needed. Croop recorded his first professional coaching win in Port Huron during the 2022-23 season.
Jay has one older brother, Jared, and three younger sisters, Jocelynn, Taylor, and Ava. Jay’s sister, Taylor, is a two time national champion for Auburn University’s Equestrian team.