Jay Beagle was born on October 16, 1985 in Calgary, Alberta. Following two collegiate seasons at the University of Alaska-Anchorage, Beagle began his professional career with the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL.
Beagle signed with the Washington Capitals in March of 2008 and joined their AHL affiliate in Hershey. He would spend the majority of the season there, but would get his first taste of NHL action, appearing in three games for the Capitals.