Selected by Jets in General Player Draft, February 12, 1972. Signed as a free agent, May 25, 1972.
The Jets made Joe Daley their second announced signing, one day after signing Ernie Wakely. Daley and Wakely split time in the Jets' net over the next two seasons, then Daley seized the starter's role in 1974-1975. He carried the bulk of the load over the next three seasons before splitting time with newly signed Gary Bromley in 1977-1978. He gave way to Markus Mattsson in 1978-1979 and played in a backup role before retiring after that season. He was a three-time WHA All-Star and a member of all three Jets' AVCO Cup championship teams. He enjoyed arguably his best season in 1976-1977 when he was named the Jets' most valuable player as the Jets advanced to the AVCO Cup finals for the second consecutive season, where they bowed out in a seven-game series against the Quebec Nordiques. Prior to signing with the Jets, Daley played in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres, and Detroit Red Wings. During his playing days, he was active in Christian-athlete groups.
