1896–97 American ice hockey season

This was the 1896-97 American ice hockey season:

Baltimore, Maryland

According to Spalding’s Ice Hockey and Ice Polo Guide, “Baltimore is probably the most enthusiastic ice hockey city in the country. Soon after the sport was introduced to the States the Baltimoreans took it up with great earnestness and an artificial-ice rink, the North Avenue Ice Palace, was opened in Baltimore about three years ago. Since then this rink has furnished an arena for many fierce and exciting matches and the large audiences which turn out for every scheduled game, show a most generous appreciation of the sport.”

The season began in Baltimore on December 16, 1896, as 1500 spectators watched the Baltimore Hockey Club blank Johns Hopkins University 3-0. The Baltimore Hockey Club disbanded in January 1897, to assist in forming a hockey league.

The Amateur Hockey League of Baltimore was organized at the North Avenue Ice Palace on February 2, 1897. A constitution embodying all of the workings of the Canadian Hockey Club was prepared by Mr. Lee B. Mosher and adopted. The national hockey rules were also adopted. The following officers were elected: David Towers, president; Dr. Creswell Shearer, secretary, and J. Milton Davis, assistant secretary and treasurer.

Four teams - Johns Hopkins University, Maryland Athletic Club, University of Maryland, and the Northampton Hockey Club - were set to compete for the Northampton Cup, presented by Mr. J.S. Filon. The first game was played the same evening, with the Maryland Athletic Club defeating the University of Maryland 2-1.

The Montreal Hockey Club and the Montreal Shamrocks came to Baltimore in March to play in a three-game series for a cup presented by the Baltimore Hockey League. Both clubs also faced an All-Baltimore picked team.

Much controversy surrounded the final and decisive game of the Baltimore Hockey League season, played on March 22 between the Maryland Athletic Club and the University of Maryland. MAC led 2-1 late in the game, when just before the final whistle, University was awarded a goal that tied the match. The shot was high, and was questioned by many, but was rule a goal by the umpire. In accordance with the rules of the league, the referee ordered overtime to be played, where University scored and thus won the match 3-2.

The Maryland Athletic Club protested the result immediately after the match, claiming the disputed goal should not have counted, and without it they would have won the game 2-1. The executive committee of the league ruled, following a vote, that it was no goal, and thus awarded Maryland AC the match, championship title, and the Northampton Cup.

This decision infuriated the University of Maryland, who stated that it was against the league rules to overturn an umpire’s decision in such a fashion. University took the matter to a local court, which ruled in their favor, but the Athletic Club refused to hand the cup over to the students. On September 30, 1897, the University retained three prominent lawyers and brought a suit against the Athletic Club to obtain the cup. “Justice Bailey, who heard the petition which involved the point as to whether or not an umpire’s decision in an ice hockey game is final, after listening to many witnesses from both sides, decided, on Oct. 16th, that according to the rules played under, there was no appeal from the umpire’s decision on the question of goals, and that by the decision of the umpire the match in question and likewise the championship was won by the University of Maryland. The cup was also ordered turned over to the rightful holders.”

1896-97 Game Results

• December 16: Baltimore Hockey Club - Johns Hopkins University 3:0 (2:0, 1:0)

BHC roster: Bisnaw (LW), Perry (RW), Corning (Centre), T. Harrison (Rover), C. Harrison (Capt.) (CP), Haughton (Point), Jenkins (Goal). JHU roster: Bagg (LW), Hodges (RW), Johnston (Centre), Nelson (Rover), Williams (CP), Mitchell (Capt.) (Point), Scholl (Goal). Goals: Perry (2), T. Harrison.

• December 23: Baltimore Hockey Club - Maryland Athletic Club 3:3
• December 30: Johns Hopkins University - Maryland Athletic Club 4:2
• January 8: Johns Hopkins University - Yale University 2:2
• January 9: Yale University - Baltimore Hockey Club 3:0
• January 13: Maryland Athletic Club - University of Maryland 2:0
• January 20: Druid Athletic Club - Baltimore City College 0:0 - played outdoors at Gwynn Oak Park
• February 13: Maryland Athletic Club - Princeton University 4:1
• February 13: Druid Athletic Club - Deichmann’s School 1:1
• February 19: University of Pennsylvania - University of Maryland 2:2 - UM forfeited as one of their players refused to serve penalty
• February 20: Johns Hopkins University - University of Pennsylvania 3:2
• February 27: New York St. Nicholas - Maryland Athletic Club 1:0
• February 28: New York St. Nicholas - Maryland Athletic Club 2:0
• March 6: New York Athletic Club - University of Maryland 5:0
• March 8: Montreal Shamrocks - Montreal Hockey Club 4:4 (BHL Cup)
• March 9: Montreal Hockey Club - Montreal Shamrocks 8:3 (3:1, 5:2) (BHL Cup)

MHC roster: H.G. Collins (Goal), W. Murphy (Point), M. Grant (CP), H. Baird (Rover), N. Dawes (LW), A. Hough (Centre), D. Gillelan (RW). Shamrocks roster: Pagnuelo (Goal), L. Belcourt (Point), F. Stevens (CP), Farrow (Rover), W. Dobby (LW), R. Wall (Centre), D. Brown (RW). Goals: Bough, Dawes, Baird (2), Hough (3), Gillelan - Wall, Brown, Farrow. Official: Dr. Creswell Shearer.

• March 9: Montreal Hockey Club - All-Baltimore 5:3

All-Baltimore roster: Scholl (Goal), Bisnaw (Point), Focke (CP), W. Hodges (Rover), Bagg (RW), Charbonnel (Centre), C. Corning (LW).

• March 10: Montreal Hockey Club - Montreal Shamrocks 3:2
• March 10: Montreal Shamrocks - All-Baltimore 3:0
• March 13: All-Baltimore - Montclair Athletic Club (NJ) 1:0
• March 20: Northampton Hockey Club - Washington Hockey Club 7:0
• March 23: Johns Hopkins University - Maryland Athletic Club 7:2 - two 10 minute halves
• March 23: Northampton Hockey Club - University of Maryland 1:0 - two 10 minute halves
• March 23: Johns Hopkins University - Northampton Hockey Club - two 10 minute halves
• March 25: Deichmann’s School - Druid Outing Club 2:1

Baltimore Hockey League results

• February 2: Maryland Athletic Club - University of Maryland 2:1

MAC roster: Krebs, Cochran, Focke, Duffy, Perry, A. Corning, Simmonds. UM roster: H. Whitehurst, Hicks, Weller, M. Whitehurst, Kennard, Charbonnel, Pond. Goals: Duffy, Perry - Charbonnel.

• February 5: University of Maryland - Johns Hopkins University 3:1

UM roster: H. Whitehurst, Hicks, Weller, M. Whitehurst, Kennard, Charbonnel, Pond. JHU roster: Scholl, Williams, Mitchell, Nelson, Hill, Bagg, Hodges. Goals: M. Whitehurst, Charbonnel (2) - Hill.

• February 9: Maryland Athletic Club - Johns Hopkins University 4:0

MAC roster: Krebs, Cochran, Focke, Duffy, Perry, A. Corning, Simmonds. JHU roster: Deal, Williams, Mitchell, Nelson, Hill, Bagg, Hodges Goals: Focke (2), Peterson, Corning.

• February 12: University of Maryland - Northampton Hockey Club 7:0

UM roster: H. Whitehurst, Hicks, Weller, M. Whitehurst, Kennard, Charbonnel, Pond. NH roster: B. Wagner, Clarke, W.M. Whitehurst, Bisnaw, Whitman, Poe, Fleming. Goals: M. Whitehurst (2), Kennard (3), Charbonnel, Pond.

• February 16: Maryland Athletic Club - Northampton Hockey Club 6:0

MAC roster: Krebs, Goodwin, Focke, Perry, Peterson, C. Corning, Simmonds. NH roster: Deal, Wagner, W.M. Whitehurst, Bisnaw, Poe, Clarke, Fleming. Goals: Perry (3), Peterson, Corning, Simmonds.

• February 23: Northampton Hockey Club - Johns Hopkins University 3:0

NH roster: Wagner, W.M. Whitehurst, Bisnaw, Stack, Bailey, Clarke, Whitman. JHU roster: Scholl, Mitchell, Naylor, Cotton, Williams, Hill, Hodges, Straus. Goals: Clarke (2), Whitman.

• February 26: University of Maryland - Maryland Athletic Club 1:0

UM roster: H. Whitehurst, Hicks, Weller, M. Whitehurst, Kennard, Charbonnel, Pond. MAC roster: Krebs, Cochran, Focke, Duffy, Simmonds, C. Corning, A. Corning. Goals: Charbonnel.

• March 2: Johns Hopkins University - Northampton Hockey Club 3:1

JHU roster: Scholl, Mitchell, Williams, Denmead, Hodges, Hill, Bagg. NH roster: Wagner, W.M. Whitehurst, Bisnaw, Stack, Poe, Bailey, Whitman.. Goals: Hill (2), Hodges - Poe.

• March 5: Maryland Athletic Club - Northampton Hockey Club 2:1 OT

MAC roster: Krebs, Cochran, Harrison, Focke, Peterson, Corning, Simmonds. NH roster: Wagner, W.M. Whitehurst, Bisnaw, McClelland, Clarke, Bailey, Hall. Goals: Peterson, Simmonds - Bailey.

• March 12: Johns Hopkins University - University of Maryland 0:0 (stopped after 100 minutes)

JHU roster: Scholl, Mitchell, Williams, Denmead, Bagg, Hodges, Hill. UM roster: Weller, Hicks, Cotton, M. Whitehurst, Kennard, Pond, Charbonnel.

• March 16: Maryland Athletic Club - Johns Hopkins University 1:0

MAC roster: Krebs, Harrison, Focke, Perry, Peterson, Corning, Simmonds. JHU roster: Scholl, Naylor, Williams, Denmead, Hill, Hall, Hodges. Goals: Peterson.

• March 18: University of Maryland - Johns Hopkins University 4:0 (replay of Mar. 12 tie)

UM roster: H. Whitehurst, Hicks, Cotton, M. Whitehurst, Kennard, Charbonnel, Pond. JHU roster: Scholl, Mitchell, Williams, Denmead, Hill, Hilles, Hodges. Goals: Charbonnel (3), M. Whitehurst.

• March 19: University of Maryland - Northampton Hockey Club 2:0

UM roster: H. Whitehurst, Hicks, Barrett, M. Whitehurst, Kennard, Charbonnel, Pond. NH roster: Wagner, Clarke, W.M. Whitehurst, Bisnaw, Hall, Bailey, Poe. Goals: Hicks, Charbonnel.

• March 22: University of Maryland - Maryland Athletic Club 3:2 OT

UM roster: H. Whitehurst, Hicks, Barrett, M. Whitehurst, Kennard, Charbonnel, Pond. MAC roster: Krebs, C. Harrison, Focke, Perry, Corning, Peterson, Simmonds. Goals: Kennard (3) - Peterson, Simmonds.

The Northampton Cup, awarded to the Baltimore Hockey League champion.

Chicago, Illinois

The Tatersall’s ice rink in Chicago was not open this winter. According to Spalding’s Ice Hockey and Ice Polo Guide 1898, “The Chicago Athletic Association was the principal exponent of the game, their matches with a visiting aggregation of Canadians called ‘Spalding’s Team,’ proving of great interest. This same team traveled to Minneapolis, St. Paul, Milwaukee, Detroit and Buffalo, in all of which cities natural ice rinks flourish and ice hockey is played more or less and is rapidly growing in favor.”

No records exist of the Chicago team playing in the cities mentioned above, but there had been talks of them going on various tours. It is possible these discussions are what Spalding's Guide was referring to.

There were four teams in Chicago this winter, the Chicago Hockey Club, Prairie Avenue Hockey Club, Wanderers' Cricket Club, and the Skaters' Club. The first game of the season took place on January 13. On January 23, the Chicago and Prairie Avenue clubs faced off. The game was played in blinding snow.

1896-97 Game Results

• 1/13: Chicago Hockey Club - Wanderers' Cricket Club 3:0

CHC roster: Boak (goal), Watson (point), Fenwick (cover point), Wonham (right wing), Keely (left wing), McBride, Weed (centers). WCC roster: Orchard (goal), Warriner (point), Simms (cover point), Dale (right wing), Dillon (left wing), Porteous, Whiting (centers).

• 1/23: Chicago Hockey Club - Prairie Avenue Hockey Club 5:2 @ Wanderers Rink

CHC roster: Boak (goal), Donnelley (point), Fenwick (cover point), Wonham (right wing), Edwards (left wing), Weed (right center), McBrine (left center). PAHC roster: Smith (goal), Cudahy (point), Wright (cover point), Hoagland (right wing), Wiley (left wing), Morgan (right center), Chaffey (left center).

• 1/27: Chicago Hockey Club - Wanderers' Cricket Club 4:1 @ Wanderers Rink
• 2/3: Chicago Hockey Club - Prairie Avenue Hockey Club

Cleveland, Ohio

The Forest City Polo Club was set to play their first practice game on January 22, 1897. Two days later, they were challenged by the Ravenna team, and accepted it. The teams were set to play in Ravenna later that week. On January 27, it was reported that the Kennard Street Ice Rink's polo or hockey team would accept the South Side hockey team's (Forest Citys) challenge and play three games, the first at Kennard street, second at the South Side ice rink, and the third at a location decided by lots. The Forest Citys won the first game, described as a polo match, on February 1 and defeated the Kennards for a second time the following evening. The third game was set to be played on February 4 at the Kennard rink.

1896-97 Ice Polo Results

• 2/1: Forest Citys - Kennards 3:1

Forest Citys roster: E.J. Anderson (left rush), J. Anderson (captain; center), Faulkner (right rush), Colwell (half back), O'Connell or Gore (goal). Kennards roster: Ordner (lefr rush), Wells (center), Haskins (right rush), Tuttle (half back), Smith (goal).

• 2/2: Forest Citys - Kennards 4:3

Forest Citys roster: E.J. Anderson (left rush), J. Anderson (captain; center), Faulkner (right rush), Smith (half back), O'Connell (goal). Kennards roster: Ordner (left rush), Wells (center), Haskins (right rush), Tuttle (half back).

• 2/4: Forest Citys - Kennards

Colorado

On December 25, 1896, there was a hockey game on Williams Lake in Aspen, between the Rustlers and the Hot Tamales. The latter club won by the score of 4-1. Hot Tamales roster: George Sullivan, Billy Williams, James Sullivan, William Bray, Randolph, D. Sullivan, Harry Brown, Joe Stevens, Jeff Heatherly. Rustlers roster: James Elmendorf, James Quigg, Robert Davis, Roy Garrison, Joe Messa, Dick Messa, John Forbes, George Walte, John Williams.

Massachusetts

The Arlington High School team

There were numerous ice polo games played in Massachusetts during the 1896-97 season. The Massachusetts Ice Polo League featuring Waltham, Newton AA, Dorchester, Felton AA, Wakefield, Roxbury AC, and the Cambridge Ice Polo and Hockey Team. The Cambridge team won the championship, finishing undefeated.

Two school competitions were also arranged by the New England Skating Association - the Interscholastic and Interprepatory leagues. The following teams played in the Interscholastic League: Melrose High School, Roxbury Latin School, Somerville High School, Cambridge High and Latin School, and the Boston English School. The championship was undecided, as warm weather prevented Cambridge and Melrose playing a decisive match. Both teams were undefeated up to that point. Arlington High School won the Interprepatory League championship.

On January 16, 1897, two Harvard feshmen game played a game of Canadian ice hockey at Mystic Lake. Davis, Ward and Mecure each scored two goals for the first team, which blanked the second team 6-0. Another game of Canadian hockey was played in Boston on January 27, 1897. “At the Chutes rink yesterday afternoon [Jan. 27], two teams played a game of Canadian hockey, although with only four men on a side. The members of the team captained by R.L. Agassiz were H.H. Hunnewell, C.A. Stillman and Q.A. Shaw, Jr. The opposing team was made up of George Atkinson, James Stevenson, William Amory and Charles Crehore. A.P. Gardner coached the teams from the sidelines.”

In addition to local matches, the Cambridge Ice Polo and Hockey Team played two games in New York, where they were narrowly defeated by the St. Nicholas and New York AC teams. The club also went on a six-game tour of Canada in March. They were soundly defeated in every game. The captain of the team was W.E. Jewell, Jr., and the other players were Jack Corbett, M. Lyman, H.A. Hopkins, Matteson, Lamb, H. Glidden, Morton, Burton, and N. Tobey.

According to Spalding’s Ice Hockey and Ice Polo Guide 1898, “Harvard University only attempted ice hockey late last winter and played but few matches, their attention having been previously devoted to ice polo entirely. These men were on the hockey team : Goodridge, Beardsell, Stevens, Clark, Baldwin, Dunlop, and Elliot.”

• 

  The original intended playing schedule for the Massachusetts Ice Polo League.

• 

  A revised schedule for the league.

Cambridge Tour of Canada results

• March 4: McGill University - Cambridge 14:1 @ Victoria Rink, Montreal
• March 6: Aberdeen HC - Cambridge 8:2 @ Ottawa Rink
• March 8: Ottawa College - Cambridge 5:3 @ Ottawa Rink
• March 9: All-Bank Team - Cambridge 7:0 @ Rideau Rink, Toronto
• March 10: Frontenac HC - Cambridge 10:0 @ Kingston Rink
• March 11: Quebec HC (Senior) - Cambridge 8:3 @ Quebec Rink

1896-97 Ice Polo Results

• December 18: Cambridge - Salem 8:0
• December 21: Somerville High - Medford High 5:0
• December 21: Franklins - Norfolks 4:2
• December 21: Stoneham High - Wakefield High 1:0
• December 21: Roxbury Latin - Felton AA 0:0
• December 22: Cambridge - Newton 4:0
• December 24: Stoneham High - Medford High 2:0
• December 26: Cambridge - Lowell AA 9:0
• December 26: Wakefield - Boston College 2:1
• December 28: Roxbury Latin - Franklins 4:3
• December 28: Natick - Wellesley 2:1
• December 28: Newton AA - Roxbury Latin 3:1
• December 29: Harvard University - Cambridge 1:0
• December 29: Felton AA - Newton AA 2:0 (Massachusetts Ice Polo League)
• December 29: Arlington High - Cambridge High and Latin 2:1
• December 29: Arlington High - Winchester High 3:0
• December 29: Dorchester - Norfolks 4:1
• December 29: Virginia - Monadnocks 6:4
• December 30: Cambridge High and Latin - Roxbury Latin 2:0 (Interscholastic Series)
• December 30: Medford - Winchester 1:0
• December 30: Malden - Everett 3:0
• December 30: Somerville High - Boylston 5:1
• December 30: Franklin - Winona 4:2
• December 30: Stoneham High - Wakefield High 4:2
• December 30: Wellesley AA - Wellesley Hills 2:0
• December 31: Melrose High - Winchester High 1:0 (Suburban League)
• January 1: Stoneham High - Everett High 5:2
• January 1: Newton AA - Dorchester 2:1 (Massachusetts Ice Polo League)
• January 2: Harvard - Cambridge 5:1
• January 2: Arlington High - Cambridge Latin 6:0
• January 2: Malden High - Medford High 5:0
• January 2: Somerville High - Picked Team 2:1
• January 4: Cambridge - Lawrence 7:0
• January 7: Felton AA - Dorchester 3:0 (Massachusetts Ice Polo League)
• January 7: Wakefield AA - Cambridge 1:0 - game was stopped after 23 minutes as the ball was lofted over the grandstand and could not be found
• January 8: Cambridge - Woburn 5:0
• January 8: Cambridge High and Latin School - Harvard Varsity 3:2
• January 8: Somerville High - English High 3:0 (Interscholastic League)
• January 8: Mechanic Arts - Roxbury 1:1
• January 8: Franklins - Norfolks 3:1
• January 8: Suffolks - Excelsiors 2:1
• January 8: Stoneham Amateurs - Stoneham High 6:3
• January 9: Melrose High - Medford High 6:0
• January 9: Wakefield High - Woburn High 4:0
• January 9: Beverly High - Moutresses 3:0
• January 9: Cambridge - Waltham 3:0 (Massachusetts Ice Polo League)
• January 9: Boston College - Wakefield 5:2
• January 11: Cambridge - Lynn AC 6:0
• January 11: Cambridge - Dorchester 1:0 (Massachusetts Ice Polo League)
• January 11: Milton Academy - Mechanics' Art 3:0
• January 11: Mt Bowdoin - Edson 2:1
• January 12: Stoneham High - Wakefield High 4:0
• January 12: Arlington High - Medford High 1:1 - Arlington won as Medford committed two fouls
• January 12: Falmouth AA - College team 4:4
• January 13: Roxbury Latin - Franklins 3:2
• January 13: Dedham High - Hyde Park 0:0
• January 13: Stoneham High - Woburn High 7:1
• January 13: Dorchester High - Whitfields 6:2
• January 13: Milton High - Mechanic Arts 5:0
• January 13: Salem High - Beverly High 3:1
• January 14: Cambridge - Boston College 3:0
• January 15: Roxbury Latin - Dorchester 1:1
• January 15: Cambridge High and Latin - Winchester High 7:0
• January 15: Norfolks - Elm Hills 5:0
• January 15: Madison AA - Huron AA 2:1
• January 16: Melrose AA - Newton AA 7:0 (Massachusetts Ice Polo League)
• January 16: Malden High - Melrose High 4:3
• January 16: All-Roxbury - Franklins 4:3
• January 16: Roxbury - Collegians 2:0
• January 16: Falmouth AA - Theta Delta Chi 4:1
• January 16: Puritan AA - Emmanual AA 0:0
• January 16: West Roxbury High - Picked Team 3:1
• January 16: Stoneham High - Winchester High 3:2
• January 16: Dedham High - Dedham 2:1
• January 16: Suffolk - Warrens 5:0
• January 16: Beverly HS - Walker Academy 4:1
• January 16: Falmouth AA - Huntingtons 4:2
• January 16: Cambridge Latin - Huntingtons 2:1
• January 16: Cambridge - Milton Academy 12:0
• January 16: Emmanual AA - Cosmopolitan Cycle Club 16:1
• January 16: Arlington High - Mechanics Arts 11:0 (Interprepatory League)
• January 16: Arlington High - Medford High 4:0
• January 16: Cambridge High and Latin - Felton AA 4:0
• January 17: Cambridge - Newton AA 3:0 (Massachusetts Ice Polo League)
• January 19: Melrose High - English High 5:0 (Interscholastic League)
• January 20: Harvard University - Cambridge High and Latin 8:2
• January 20: Cambridge - Arlington High 1:1
• January 20: Roxbury - Boylston 3:2
• January 20: English High - Columbia 6:5
• January 20: Falmouth AA - Theta Delta Chi 4:4
• January 20: Winchester High - Medford 3:2 (Suburban League)
• January 20: Suffolk - Belvidere 5:0
• January 20: Wakefield High - Stoneham (Forfeit)
• January 20: Cambridge - Tufts College 5:0
• January 22: Arlington High - Somerville High 4:0
• January 23: Melrose High - Winchester High 1:0
• January 25: Cambridge - Tiger Roadsters 8:0
• January 25: Melrose High - Somerville High 2:1 (Interscholastic League)
• January 25: Felton AA - Milton Academy 5:1
• January 25: Roxbury AC - Franklin 5:2
• January 26: Cambridge - Felton AA 7:1 (Massachusetts Ice Polo League)
• January 26: Dorchester High - Dedham High 2:1
• January 26: Cambridge - Tiger Roadsters 7:0
• January 26: Cambridge High and Latin - Roxbury AC 3:3 - Cambridge won as Roxbury committed a foul
• January 26: Milton Academy - Chauncey Hall 4:0
• January 27: Dorchester - Norfolks 4:1
• January 27: Cambridge High and Latin - Roxbury AC 3:0
• January 27: Jamaica Plain AA - Puritan AA 2:0
• January 27: Huntington AA - Columbias 2:1
• January 27: Malden - Medford 3:1
• January 27: West Roxbury High - Mechanic Arts 2:1
• January 27: Everett High - Winchester High 5:2
• January 28: Cambridge - Wakefield 4:0 (Massachusetts Ice Polo League)
• January 30: Cambridge - Roxbury AC 6:0 (Massachusetts Ice Polo League)
• January 30: Melrose - Roxbury-Dorchester 4:4
• January 30: Cambridge High and Latin - Ashmont 5:2
• February 1: 'Harvard - Arlington High 1:0
• February 1: Cambridge - College team 4:1
• February 1: Cambridge - Harvard 5:1
• February 1: Dorchester - Franklin 4:3
• February 1: Cambridge High and Latin - Myrtyles 7:3
• February 1: Bowdoins - Dorchester High 4:2
• February 2: Cambridge - Boylston AC 5:0
• February 2: Harvard - Harvard Canadian Club 7:0 (Canadian ice hockey game)
• February 2: Cambridge - Harvard 3:1 (Canadian ice hockey game)
• February 2: Arlington High - Cambridge High and Latin 5:1
• February 2: Cambridge High and Latin - Winchester High 5:2
• February 2: Roxbury - Milton Academy 2:0
• February 2: Dorchester - Norfolks 8:2
• February 3: Arlington High - Waltham High 4:0 (Interprepatory League)
• February 3: Melrose High - Medford High 1:1 (Suburban League)
• February 3: Malden High - Winchester High 4:0 (Suburban League)
• February 3: Dorchester High - Picked Team 4:3
• February 3: Mechanics Arts - Roxbury High 4:1
• February 3: Cambridge High and Latin - College Team 9:2
• February 3: Milton Academy - Cambridge Combination 3:0
• February 4: Arlington High - Malden High 2:0 (Interprepatory League final)
• February 4: Cambridge High and Latin - Milton Academy 2:2 - Cambridge won as Milton committed a foul
• February 4: Cambridge - Harvard Picked Team 12:3 (Canadian ice hockey game)
• February 4: Medford High - Cambridge Latin 2:2
• February 4: Mechanic Arts - Chauncey Hall 3:2
• February 4: Chelsea - Cambridge Latin 4:1
• February 4: Somerville Latin - Somerville English 5:2
• February 4: Mechanic Arts - Chauncy Hall 3:1
• February 4: Dorchester High - Roxbury Latin 6:1
• February 4: Sherman AC - Puritan AA 3:1
• February 4: Elm Hill - Warrens 5:2
• February 4: Cambridge - Harvard Picked Team 5:0
• February 5: Cambridge - Picked team 3:1
• February 5: Cambridge - College team 2:1 (Canadian ice hockey game)
• February 5: Somerville High - Somerville Latin 3:2
• February 5: Boston College - Franklins 1:1
• February 5: Puritan AC - Winonas 4:2
• February 5: Norfolks - Dorchester Centrals 3:2
• February 5: Huntington AA - Medford High 1:1 - Huntington won as Medford committed a foul
• February 5: Elm Hills - Eatons 3:1
• February 6: Cambridge - Cambridge High and Latin 4:0
• February 6: Dorchester High - Harris School 3:2
• February 6: Picked Team - Mattapan 2:1
• February 6: Cambridge Hurons - Clarendon Social Club 1:0
• February 6: Cambridge Hurons - Putnams 1:0
• February 6: Waltham High - Medford High 4:0
• February 11: Howard Polo Club - Dorchester High 3:2
• February 11: Franklin - Dartmouth 4:3
• February 11: Milton Academy - Norfolks 6:2

Michigan

The Detroit College of Medicine team.

The February 15, 1897, edition of the Detroit Free Press discussed the hockey scene in Detroit. “There are three hockey teams in existence in Detroit, those of the Detroit Curling Club, the Cass farm rink and the Detroit Medical College. The latter club was organized but four weeks ago by students of the sophomore and freshmen classes of the Detroit College of Medicine. The officers are: Honorary president, Dr. W.M. M. Donald; secretary and treasurer, Erle C. Hay; business manager, E.H. Mickleborough; captain, first team, P.H. Wilson; captain, second team, R. Kirby.

Of the four games played this season, the ‘Medics’ as they are called, have won three. The club has been provided with all accoutrements by the students of the college, assisted by substantial contributions from the members of the faculty. The club makes a good appearance with their natty uniforms, consisting of red sweaters, with the letters D.C.M. across the breast, white trousers, green golf hose and regulation caps.”

On February 9, the Windsor Hockey Club (from Ontario) faced the Detroit College of Medicine at the Forest Avenue Rink and defeated them 11-4. On the 22nd, the Sarnia Hockey Club (also from Ontario) beat the College team 7-5.

The Marquette ice polo team was active again this winter, and there was also a club in Ishpeming.

1896-97 Game Results

• 1/27: Detroit College of Medicine - Detroit Curling Club 10:1
• 2/3: Detroit College of Medicine - Windsor Hockey Club 12:5 (or 13:5) @ Windsor, ON
• 2/5: Windsor Hockey Club II - Forest Avenue Hockey Club 9:2 @ Windsor, ON
• 2/8: Windsor Hockey Club - Detroit College of Medicine 11:4 @ Forest Avenue Rink
• 2/13: Windsor Hockey Club II - Cass Farms Hockey Club 18:0 @ Windsor, ON
• 2/22: Sarnia Hockey Club - Detroit College of Medicine 7:5 @ Forest Avenue Rink
• 2/24: Windsor Crystal Park Hockey Club - Detroit Magnolias 2:1 @ Windsor, ON
• 2/2?: Detroit Magnolias - Windsor Hockey Club 2:1 @ Forest Avenue Rink

Magnolias roster: Gainey (goal), Mourat (point), McEwen (cover point), Holsenburg (captain), Downey, Mclachlin, Morrison (forwards)

• 3/1: Windsor Hockey Club - Detroit College of Medicine 8:4 @ Windsor, ON

DCM roster: Randolph (goal), Wilson (point), Boles (cover point), Hay, McDonald, Kirby, Mills (forwards)

Minnesota

Both ice hockey and ice polo were played in Minnesota this winter. The Duluth and Superior polo clubs established the Head of the Lakes Association.

1896-97 Ice Hockey Game Results

• December 25: St. Paul Hockey Club I - St. Paul Hockey Club II 2:1
• January 29: Minneapolis Hockey Club (Millers) - St. Paul Hockey Club 6:3 @ Aurora rink
• February 23: Minneapolis Hockey Club (Millers) - St. Paul Hockey Club 2:1 @ Aurora rink

1896-97 Ice Polo Game Results

• December 20: St. Paul Summits II - St. Paul Summits I 6:0
• December 25: St. Paul Mascots - Fort Snelling 1:0 @ Fort Snelling
• January 6: Duluth Gophers - Duluth Stars 4:0 - Head of the Lakes Junior Championship
• January 10: St. Paul Summits - Fort Snelling 2:1 @ Aurora rink
• January 15: Duluth Polo Club - St. Paul Northern Pacifics 3:2 @ Duluth (State Championship)
• January 16: St. Paul Northern Pacifics - Duluth Polo Club 4:0 @ Duluth (State Championship)
• January 16: St. Paul Northern Pacifics - Duluth Polo Club 1:0 @ Duluth (State Championship)

St. Paul roster: Kieffer (goal), McDonald, Ringwall (rush), Newson (center), Frank Barron (cover), Murphy, McMahon (backs). Duluth roster: Carey (goal), Thompson, Berg (rush), Taylor (center), Paine (cover), Vincent, Meining (backs).

• January 28: Duluth Gophers - Duluth Stars 4:1 - Head of the Lakes Junior Championship
• January 30: Duluth Mercuries - Duluth Orioles 5:1
• February 5: Duluth Zeniths - Marquette Polo Club (MI) 9:0 @ Duluth

Duluth roster: Winters (goal), Carroll (cover), J. Lloyd (center), Di Marco (left rush), Lemieux (right rush), Armstead (substitute). Marquette roster: A.J. Wallace (goal), Varbrooks (cover), F.B. Wallace (center), Price (left rush), Larson (right rush), Spalding (substitute).

• February 5: Duluth Mercuries - Duluth Orioles 4:0
• February 6: Superior Polo Club (WI) - Marquette Polo Club (MI) 4:1 @ Superior
• February 6: Superior Polo Club (WI) - Marquette Polo Club (MI) 4:1 @ Superior
• February 9: Duluth Zeniths - Superior Polo Club (WI) 1:1 @ Duluth

Duluth roster: Winters (goal), Armstead (cover), Lloyd (center), Grochau (back), Di Marco (left rush), Lemieux (right rush). Superior roster: Anderson (goal), Rogers (cover), G. Deering (center), Barker (back), Buchanan (left rush), J. During (right rush). St. Paul Northern Pacifics won the Minnesota State Ice Polo Championship.

• February 15: Duluth Gophers - Henriettas 2:1 @ Duluth - Head of the Lakes Junior Championship
• Duluth Orioles - Glen Avon (Woodland) 6:2
• February 20: Duluth Orioles - Glen Avon (Woodland) 2:1
• February 25: Endion Polo Club - Duluth Orioles 3:0
• March 1: Duluth Gophers - Henriettas 2:2 - Head of the Lakes Junior Championship
• March 4: Duluth Orioles - Endion Polo Club 3:1
• March 5: Duluth Zeniths - Superior Polo Club (WI) @ Duluth - Superior did not show up

New Jersey

The Montclair Athletic Club had no rink to regularly practice at, so most of their ice time came from the matches they played. They played 16 matches during the 1896-97 season, most of them in New York City.

Montclair AC roster: Herman J. Koehler (captain); M.R. Hornfeck, G.A. Hornfeck, H.F. Hornfeck, Allan N. Kennaday, Edwin J. Emerson, Arthur S. Williams, Lemuel Jacobus, Clarence Place, and D.B Mulligan.

Other active clubs in New Jersey included the South Orange Field Club and the Mountain Toboggan Club from Orange.

South Orange FC roster: R. Miles (captain); Jennings, Grulle, Conway, Allen, G. Miles, Watkins, and L’Hommedieu.

Princeton University fielded an ice hockey team composed of the following players this winter: Robb, Poe, Evans, Hillebrand, Ayers, Pardee, Wheeler, Brokaw, Daniels, Stevenson, Atland, Holt, Spurgin, and Blair. The team was not authorized by the varsity organization, and the team was prevented from playing a number of scheduled games as a result.

Stevens Institute, based in Hoboken, also had an ice hockey team this winter, as did Rutgers.

Stevens Institute roster: J. Brune (captain); Grady, W. Chapin, Scott, Sanson, Christy, Frank, J.C. Palmer, E.E. Palmer, Kennedy, and Grelle. Rutgers roster: Mills (captain); Stryker, Carbon, Drury, Scudder, Barrett, and Van Clef.

Montclair High School entered a team in the Interstate Interscholastic Ice Hockey League (see New York section for more information). The Lawrenceville High School also fielded a team, composed of the following players: Roberts (captain); Cleveland, C. Dobbs, S. Dodds, Kafer, Little, Brower, and Childs.

1896-97 Game Results

• January 13: Lawrenceville High School - Princeton University (scrub) 2:0 @ Lawrenceville
• January 16: Montclair Athletic Club - South Orange Field Club 6:0 @ Montclair
• February 16: Lawrenceville High School - Rutgers University 8:0 @ Lawrenceville
• February 27: Montclair Athletic Club - Stevens Institute 12:3 @ Montclair

• 

  The Montclair Athletic Club on the ice.

• 

  A Montclair AC team photo.

• 

  The Montclair High School team.

• 

  The Lawrenceville High School team.

New Hampshire

The St. Paul's School hockey team, from Concord, NH. Back, L-R: Malcolm Gordon (manager), Alfred Conklin Coxe, Joseph Howland Colt, Jr. (manager), Archibald Stevens Alexander, Coler Campbell. Middle, L-R: Robert Dunbar Pruyn, Thomas Proctor Peckham, Arthur Merritt Henderson, Charles Bispham Levey, George Johnes Cooke. Front, L-R: James Calvin Cooley, Eben MacBurney Byers.

St. Paul's School faced the St. Paul's Alumni in New York City on December 18, 1896, and fell 5-1. The school faced the Myopia Hunt Club at home on February 22, 1897, and won 7-0.

1896-97 Game Results

• 2/22: St. Paul's School - Myopia Hunt Club 7:0 @ Concord

New York

See: 1896-97 AAHL season

The American Amateur Hockey League was founded in November 1896 with four teams: Brooklyn Crescents, Brooklyn Skating Club, New York Athletic Club, and New York St. Nicholas. The Brooklyn teams played at the Claremont Avenue Rink, while the New York squads were based at the St. Nicholas Rink.

The first game of the league was played on December 15, with St. Nicholas defeating the Brooklyn Skating Club 15-0. The New York Athletic Club won the league championship, finishing the season undefeated.

The Interstate Interscholastic Ice Hockey League began play in March 1897. The following teams competed in the league: Montclair (NJ) High School, St. Austin’s School of Staten Island, and Cutler, De La Salle, and Berkeley Schools of New York City. Two silver cups were purchased, to be awarded to the top two teams in the standings.

Montclair and Cutler finished tied atop the league. The game between the two teams on March 25, which ended in a 2-2 tie, elicited significant controversy, as the umpire failed to recognize that the Cutler goaltender had stopped a shot while standing in the net. Had he allowed the goal, Montclair would have won the game 3-2.

The teams were then set to play a tiebreaker match on March 31, but the Cutler team refused to play on that date, so the championship should have been awarded to Montclair, but this did not occur, owing to “certain wire-pulling”.

• Montclair High School: Gustave A. Hornfeck (captain), A. Griffen, Chas, Phillips, Al. Lindley, W. McBurney, C. Anderson, Edward Cary, and Reginald Trautschold.
• Cutler School: Livingston (captain), Homans, Little, Dickinson, Henderson, Wright, Delafield, Gunther, and Inman.
• De La Salle School: McCabe, Brennan, O’Byrne, Dwyer, Robbins, Corrigan, and Tilford.
• Berkeley School: Paulding (captain), Arthur, Rice, Pell, Bien, Gulden, Procter, Huntington, Thomas, and Granberry.
• St. Austin’s School: Scofield, V. Scott, B. Scott, Wall, Lindsay, Heineken, Bonner, Taylor, Pope, Thomas, Dearborn, and Lawrence.

The Columbia Grammar School of New York and St. Paul’s School of Long Island also had ice hockey teams in 1896-97.

Columbia University, based in Manhattan, fielded an ice hockey team this winter. Despite having the metropolitan New York rinks available to practice on, the club was said to have shown little improvement throughout the season.

Other active teams included the Union Club, Calumet Club, St. Anthony Club, and the Racquet and Tennis Club, who competed for a handsome ice hockey challenge cup presented by Mr. H. Percy Chubb.

The 2nd and 3rd Divisions of the 1st Naval Battalion, State of New York, played a series of three matches, with the 2nd Division winning them all. 2nd Division roster: H.W. Walton (captain), J.D.O. Murray, E. Crawford, J.M. Mitchell, R.M. Crosby, R. Walden and D.B. Brigham. 3rd Division: Beebe (captain), Gilmore, Burtnett, Bill, Schirm, Achearn, Hunt, Folsome, and Pentz.

The Orange Lake Ice Yacht Club practiced and played a series of matches on their home ice against the Newburgh Hockey Club, and also made several appearances at the Claremont Rink. Orange Lake roster: C.M. Stebbins (captain), Trask, Chadwick, Gleich, E.A. Java, Leicht, and H.J. Java.

There were two active teams on Staten Island - the Staten Island Cricket and Base Ball Club and the Clifton Hockey Club. Clifton roster: S. McDonnell, M.J. Kellion, J.B. Cornell, A. Thompson, W. Hardin, Jr., R. Manthrop, R. Lee, Jr., J.B. Lancaster, Keegan, O’Dwyer, and Braniff.

Queen's University from Kingston, Ontario, visited New York in January 1897. Montreal AAA and the Montreal Shamrocks played two matches against each other at the Clermont Rink as part of an American tour in March.

Ice polo was also played extensively in New York this winter. On December 17, 1896, the newly-organized Brooklyn Ice Polo Club defeated the Passaic Ice Polo Club 2-0. The Ice Palace Polo Club was renamed the New York Ice Polo Club for the season. They played 15 matches, winning 13, with one tie and one disputed game.

The New York Ice Polo Club faced the Brooklyn Ice Polo Club in two matches for a silver cup, emblematic of the Ice Polo Championship of Greater New York. New York defeated Brooklyn 2-1 and 5-0 and earned the cup. The New York club featured the following personnel: B. Phillips, Cannoll, Maloney, Bowe, Lake, Banning, Haspenwall, Koehler, Tierney, A. Wood, S. Kelly, H. Kelly, Palmato, and Hornfeck.

Other active ice polo clubs in the area during the 1896-97 season included the Montclair Athletic Club, St. Bartholomew Athletic Club, United States Marine Corps Ice Polo Team, New Rochelle Ice Polo Club, Passaic (NJ) Ice Polo Club, Yonkers Athletic Club, Hastings Ice Polo Team, Pastime Athletic Club, Huguenot Athletic Club, Sagamore Ice Polo Team, and the Clifton Ice Polo Team.

• 

  A drawing of ice hockey being played at the St. Nicholas Rink.

• 

  The New York St. Nicholas club.

• 

  The New York Hockey Club.

• 

  The New York Athletic Club.

• 

  The 2nd Division, 1st Naval Battalion hockey team.

• 

  The Cutler School hockey team.

• 

  The Buffalo Olympics hockey team.

1896-97 Game Results

• December 5: New York St. Nicholas - Montclair Athletic Club 8:0 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• December 7: Union Hockey Club - Knickerbocker Hockey Club 5:1 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• December 10: Brooklyn Crescents - Montclair Athletic Club 2:0 @ Clermont Rink
• December 11: New York Hockey Club - Montclair Athletic Club 1:0 @ Ice Palace Rink
• December 12: New York Athletic Club - New York Hockey Club 4:1 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• December 16: Montclair Athletic Club - Yale University 6:1 @ Clermont Rink
• December 18: New York Athletic Club - New York Hockey Club 1:1 @ Ice Palace Rink
• December 18: St. Paul's Alumni (NH) - St. Paul's School 5:1 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• December 24: New York St. Nicholas - Yale University 3:2 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• December 28: Brooklyn Skating Club - Brooklyn Crescents 2:2 @ Clermont Rink
• December 29: Montclair Athletic Club - Brooklyn Crescents 5:1 @ Clermont Rink
• January 2: New York St. Nicholas - New York Hockey Club 1:1 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• January 5: New York St. Nicholas - Montclair Athletic Club 3:0 @ Clermont Rink
• January 8: New York Hockey Club - Brooklyn Crescents 10:0 @ Ice Palace Rink
• January 8: Brooklyn Skating Club - Columbia University 1:0 @ Clermont Rink
• January 12: Brooklyn Skating Club - New York St. Nicholas II 2:0 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• January 13: New York Athletic Club - Yale University 7:1 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• January 15: Brooklyn Skating Club - Princeton University 3:0 @ Clermont Rink
• January 15: New York Hockey Club - Montclair Athletic Club 1:0 @ Ice Palace Rink
• January 20: Montclair High School Hockey Club - Berkeley School 5:0 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• January 20: Clifton Hockey Club - US 1st Naval Reserves 4:2 @ Clermont Rink
• January 21: New York St. Nicholas - Montclair Athletic Club 3:3 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• January 22: New York Athletic Club - New York Hockey Club 2:2 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• January 22: New York St. Nicholas - Montclair Athletic Club 15:0 @ Clermont Rink
• January 23: Brooklyn Skating Club - Orange Lake Ice Yacht Club 7:0 @ Clermont Rink
• January 23: Queen's University (Canada) - Yale University 3:0 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• January 25: New York St. Nicholas - Queen's University (Canada) 1:1 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• January 26: Queen's University (Canada) - Montclair Athletic Club 6:1 @ Clermont Rink
• January 27: Staten Island Cricket Club - Essex (NJ) Hockey Club 3:0 @ Clermont Rink
• January 29: South Orange Field Club - Brooklyn Skating Club 2:1 @ Clermont Rink
• January 31: Clifton Hockey Club - US 1st Naval Reserves 5:0 @ Silver Lake
• February 3: New York Athletic Club - South Orange Field Club 8:1 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• February 5: New York Hockey Club - Brooklyn Skating Club 1:0 @ Ice Palace Rink
• February 5: New York St. Nicholas - Brooklyn Crescents 2:1 @ Clermont Rink
• February 8: Brooklyn Crescents tied Brooklyn Skating Club @ Clermont Rink
• February 8: 2nd Division Naval Reserves - 7th Regiment Hockey Club 1:0 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• February 9: New York Hockey Club - Brooklyn Skating Club 5:2 @ Clermont Rink
• February 9: New York St. Nicholas - Cambridge (MA) Hockey Team 2:1 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• February 10: New York Hockey Club - Princeton University 2:0 @ Ice Palace Rink
• February 11: New York Athletic Club - Cambridge (MA) Hockey Team 3:0 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• February 11: Princeton University - Brooklyn Skating Club 2:0 @ Clermont Rink
• February 13: New York Athletic Club - Yale University 5:0 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• February 15: Columbia University - 3rd Division, 1st Naval Battalion, S.N.Y. 4:1 @ Ice Palace Rink
• February 17: New York St. Nicholas II - New York Athletic Club II 5:2 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• February 20: Brooklyn Crescents - Yale University (Class of ‘97) 5:0 @ Clermont Rink
• February 20: New York St. Nicholas - Montclair Athletic Club 6:2 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• February 23: 7th Regiment (N.G.S.N.Y.) 10th Company - 7th Regiment (9th Company) 2:0
• February 26: University of Pennsylvania - Columbia University 5:0 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• March 2: Staten Island Skating Club - New York St. Nicholas @ St. Nicholas Rink
• March 3: Brooklyn Crescents - Mountain Toboggan Club (Orange, NJ) 3:3 @ Clermont Rink
• March 5: Montclair Athletic Club - Brooklyn Skating Club 3:0 @ Clermont Rink
• March 6: New York St. Nicholas - 2nd Division, 1st Naval Battalion, S.N.Y. 11:1 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• March 6: 'Lawrenceville High School (NJ) - Cutler School 2:1 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• March 9: New York Athletic Club - Montclair Athletic Club 1:0 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• March 11: Montreal AAA - Montreal Shamrocks 3:2 @ Clermont Rink
• March 13: Montreal Shamrocks - Montreal AAA 3:1 @ Clermont Rink
• March 13: New York St. Nicholas - Yale University 3:1 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• March 25: Montclair Athletic Club - Columbia University 7:1 @ Clermont Rink
• March 26: Racquet Club Hockey Team - St. Anthony Club 1:0 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• March 27: Yale University - Columbia University 7:2 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• March 27: Alteram Hockey Club - Fort Greene Hockey Club 5:0 @ Clermont Rink
• March 30: Stevens Institute - 3rd Division, 1st Naval Battalion, S.N.Y. 1:0 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• April 1: New York St. Nicholas - 2nd Division, 1st Naval Battalion, S.N.Y. 3:1 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• April 2: New York St. Nicholas - New York Athletic Club 1:0 @ St. Nicholas Rink

Interstate Interscholastic Ice Hockey League results

• March 13: De La Salle School - St. Austin’s School 2:0 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• March 16: Montclair High School - Berkeley School 7:0 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• March 17: St. Austin’s School - Berkeley School 3:3 @ Clermont Rink
• March 18: Cutler School - De La Salle School 7:3 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• March 20: Cutler School - Berkeley School 9:0 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• March 23: Montclair High School - De La Salle School 5:0 @ Clermont Rink
• March 24: Cutler School - St. Austin’s School 3:0 @ Clermont Rink
• March 25: Montclair High School - Cutler School 2:2 @ St. Nicholas Rink
• March 26: Montclair High School - St. Austin’s School 5:1 @ Clermont Rink
• April 1: De La Salle School - Berkeley School 1:1 @ St. Nicholas Rink

Ice polo results

• December 17: Brooklyn Ice Polo Club - Passaic Ice Polo Club 2:0 @ Clermont Rink
• December 19: Brooklyn Skating Club - Yale University Ice Polo Club 1:0 @ Clermont Rink
• January 2: New York Ice Polo Club - Brooklyn Ice Polo Club 3:1 @ Clermont Rink
• January 7: Montclair Athletic Club - Brooklyn Ice Polo Club 1:0 @ Clermont Rink
• February 3: Brown University - Montclair Athletic Club 2:1 @ St. Nicholas Rink (Ice Polo Championship of the United States)
• February 10: Cambridge (MA) - Brooklyn Ice Polo Team 7:0 @ Clermont Rink
• New York Ice Polo Club - Sagamore Ice Polo Team 5:0
• New York Ice Polo Club - Passaic Ice Polo Club 2:1
• New York Ice Polo Club - St. Bartholomew Athletic Club 5:0
• New York Ice Polo Club - Passaic Ice Polo Club 5:0
• New York Ice Polo Club - New Rochelle Ice Polo Club 8:0
• New York Ice Polo Club - Capitols of Albany 3:0
• New York Ice Polo Club - Yonkers Athletic Club 4:0
• New York Ice Polo Club - Montclair Athletic Club 1:1
• New York Ice Polo Club - Clifton Ice Polo Team 3:0
• New York Ice Polo Club - Sagamore Ice Polo Team 3:0
• New York Ice Polo Club - Montclair Athletic Club 1:0 (match ended after one half due to dispute)
• New York Ice Polo Club - Passaic Ice Polo Club 6:0
• New York Ice Polo Club - Brooklyn Ice Polo Club 2:1 (Championship of Greater New York)
• New York Ice Polo Club - Brooklyn Ice Polo Club 5:0 (Championship of Greater New York)

Buffalo results

The University of Buffalo organized a strong team, composed mainly of students from the Department of Dentistry, who had early training in Canadian schools. Under the management of Dr. Conrad E. Wettlaufer of the Department of Dentistry, a series of games was scheduled with prominent neighboring teams, among them being St. Catherines, who were a top team in the Ontario Hockey Association's Intermediate Series. Charles Peck served as captain of the team. These games attracted great notice, and the University team went undefeated on the season.

The Buffalo Olympics traveled to Niagara Falls to face the local Hockey Club on January 1, 1897. They were defeated 9-2.

• 1/1: Niagara Falls Hockey Club (ON) - Buffalo Olympics 9:2 @ Niagara Falls
• 1/23: Buffalo Olympics - University of Buffalo 0:0
• 1/24: Buffalo Olympics - Williamsville 14:2 @ Olympic Park

Olympics roster: W.J. Vogt (goal), A. Groos (point), C. Rosenback (cover point), F. Fisher, A. Rosenback, G. Johnston (forwards), E. Vogt (Capt., cover). Williamsville roster: Groon (goal), Hilbrun (point), Zent (cover point), Chalmers, Gilbert, Brown (forwards), O.A. Fisher (Capt., cover).

• 1/30: University of Buffalo - Buffalo Olympics 2:0 @ Olympic Park
• 2/5: University of Buffalo - St. Catharine's Owls 4:2 @ St. Catharine's, ON
• 2/12: University of Buffalo - Buffalo Olympics 4:1 - Western New York Championship
• 2/13: University of Buffalo - Rumsey's Club 5:1 @ Rumsey's Lake
• 2/20: Buffalo Olympics - Rumsey's Club 5:2 @ Olympic Park
• 2/22: Buffalo Olympics - Nichols 2:0 @ Rumsey's Lake
• 2/27: Buffalo Olympics - Nichols 0:0 @ Olympic Park

Pennsylvania

See: 1896–97 WPHL season

The management at the Schenley Park Casino in Pittsburgh organized two ice hockey leagues for the 1896-97 season - an inter-scholastic league for high schools, and a senior competition called the Western Pennsylvania Hockey League. Four teams joined the WPHL: the Pittsburgh Athletic Club, Western University of Pennsylvania, Duquesne Country & Athletic Club, and the Pittsburgh Casino. The following teams were members of the Interscholastic League: East Liberty Academy, Pittsburgh High School, Pittsburgh Academy, Pittsburgh College, Shadyside Academy, and Duquesne College.

League play began on November 17 and continued until December 15. At about 1:45AM on December 17, an ammonia pipe in the ice making department at the Casino began to leak. The gas mixed with grease and created an explosion, leading to a fire which destroyed most of the building.

Yale University was set to travel to Pittsburgh for a series of ice hockey games against the Western University of Pennsylvania, Duquesne University and the Keystones the weekend after the fire, but they were telegraphed and told to stay home. The Western Pennsylvania League schedule could not be finished, and no champion was declared for 1896-97.

1896-97 Game Results

• November 9: Pittsburgh High School - East Liberty Academy 6:0
• November 13: Pittsburgh Athletic Club - Western University of Pennsylvania 2:1

Pittsburgh Interscholastic Hockey League results

• November 28: Pittsburgh College - Pittsburgh Academy 3:1
• December 2: Shadyside Academy - Duquesne College 3:1
• December 5: Pittsburgh High School - East Liberty Academy
• December 9: Duquesne College - Pittsburgh High School
• December 12: Shadyside Academy - Pittsburgh College 3:1

In Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania fielded an ice hockey team this winter. The following players were members of the team: S. Willet, Agnew, Phymister, G.W. Orton, H.J. Gibbons, Rogers, Stanley, Mechling, Decker, Laird, Smith, Jarvis, Moore, Chattin, Gosman, Stackhouse, and Falke.

Rhode Island

Note: For information on Brown, see the College ice polo section.

1896-97 Ice Polo Game Results

• 1/10: Lakeside Bicycle Club - Rumford Polo Club 2:0
• 1/16: Elmwood AA - Warwick 3:0
• 1/25: Rumford Little Rhody - East Providence 14:5

Washington, DC

According to Spalding’s Ice Hockey and Ice Polo Guide 1898, “Though a splendid artificial-ice rink has been in existence in Washington, D.C., for a couple of years, ice hockey has not met with favor, and for some unknown reason does not thrive as in all other localities wherever the game has been introduced. The Washington Hockey Club is still in existence and has played a number of inter-city matches with different Baltimore teams, but in most instances has lost.”

Students at Georgetown University discussed forming an ice hockey team, with plans to play games with New York and Philadelphia teams.

Johns Hopkins University traveled to the capital and defeated the Washington Hockey Club 7-0 at the Convention Hall Ice Palace.

“Despite the snowstorm 700 persons gathered in the rink to witness the sport, and they were well repaid for their trouble. The game was not close, but the vim and dash of the Washingtonians atoned for their lack of system and made the game the most interesting that has been seen here for a long time.

The Hopkins team outplayed the Washington boys at every point. The first goal was made in half a minute after play commenced, Hill taking the puck at once and rushing it past Rogers, who kept a very poor goal for Washington. The next goal was made by Hodges about three minutes later. Hill made another goal and the half was over.

In the second half Hill made one goal, Bagg two in succession and Nelson the last one. The playing of Scholl, who was at goal for Hopkins, was most brilliant. He stopped two goals for Washington which seemed sure. Peterson, of the W.A.C., was lent to the Washingtons for this occasion and played in the game.”

On February 18, the Maryland Athletic Club paid a visit to Washington and beat the Washington Hockey Club 4-0. The play was spirited throughout, and the Baltimoreans did not have an easy time in disposing of the hosts.

The Washington Hockey Club and Washington Regents faced each other three times this winter.

1896-97 Game Results

• January 27: Johns Hopkins University - Washington Hockey Club 7:0 (3:0, 4:0)

JHU roster: N. Scholl (Goal), Mitchell (Point), Williams (CP), Hodges (RW), Hill (Centre), Nelson (Rover), Bagg (LW). WHC roster: Rogers (Goal), Peterson (Point), Morris (CP), Maize (RW), Hendley (Centre), McDonald (Rover), Bushnell (LW). Goals: Hill (3), Hodges, Bagg (2), Nelson. Official: Sherrer.

• February 11: Washington Hockey Club - Washington Regents 2:0 (0:0, 2:0)

WHC roster: J.A. Hendley, Donald McDonald, Chas. Bushnell, Sully B. Maize (captain) (Forwards), Chas. Posey (Point), A. Paul Morris (Cover Point), Phil Wisner (Goal). Substitutes: John Hall, Paul Evers, Ray Rogers. Regents roster: S. Wimsatt, A. Cauflin, A. Fisher, W.M. Fisher (captain) (Forwards), O. Miller (Point), S. Hellen (Cover Point), F. Linday (Goal). Substitutes: H.C. Chandice, J. Kent, H. Ball.

• February 18: Maryland Athletic Club - Washington Hockey Club 4:0 (2:0, 2:0)

MAC roster: Krebs (Goal), Corcoran (Point), Foucke (CP), Peterson (Centre), Perdy (Rover), Simmons (RW), Corning (LW). AW roster: Scholl (Goal), Williams (Point), Morris (CP), Hendley (Center), Maize (Rover), Hodges (RW), Bushnell (LW).

• February 25: Washington Hockey Club - Washington Regents 1:1 (0:0, 1:1)
• March 6: Washington Hockey Club - Washington Regents 1:0

Wisconsin

The following was written in the Milwaukee Journal on December 10, 1896: “Plans are now rapidly maturing for the formation of two hockey teams, which will play on the Milwaukee Yacht club’s rink. Francis Furlong, who has had the matter of organizing the teams in charge, will call a meeting of the hockey players on the first part of the next week, when the teams will be selected and arrangements made for games with clubs both in and out of the city. Several letters have already been received by Mr. Furlong from hockey clubs in Chicago for matches and as soon as the organization of the Milwaukee teams is completed, contests will doubtless be arranged for with the Chicago Athletic Club, the Wheaton Golf Club and the Onwentsia club teams. Among those of the Milwaukee players who are regarded as first-class players are: J. Mariner, N. Hopkins, H. Hickox, Spencer Ilsley, D.C. Owen, F. Furlong, H. Paine, J. Goll, F. Bacon, G. Price and B. Dally.”

Five days later, there was an article published which discussed the creation of a hockey league in Milwaukee. “Plans are now on foot for the formation of a city hockey league. Francis Furlong of the Milwaukee Yachting club, who is at the head of the movement, said today that he had received letters from several of the leading players in the city, and that they were all anxious to perfect such an organization as soon as possible. A meeting will therefore be called in the near future to complete all arrangements and elect officers. The teams, seventeen in all, that will form such an organization are: West End, East Side high school, Athletic society, military and two yacht club teams. The hockey players of the yacht club will meet at some time during the latter part of the week to organize their clubs and consider plans for starting the league.”

On January 7, 1897, it was reported that there were talks of arranging a game with the Chicago Athletic Association. Frank T. Furlong sent a challenge to the Chicago team, to which he received an answer, and it was said to be probable that a game would be played at the Milwaukee Yacht club’s rink the next Saturday. Among the players who were set to play on the Milwaukee team were Gilbert Hickox, the Rev. Otho F. Humphreys, Nelson Hopkins, J.W. Mariner, Dr. Beemer and Frank T. Furlong. The Prairie Avenue Hockey Club of Chicago and the Milwaukee Yacht Club were set to meet in Milwaukee on January 9.

Another hockey team, captained by Harry Payne, was formed in Milwaukee in mid-January. The club planned to face the Milwaukee Yacht Club as soon as the ice was in suitable condition. There were also talks of the Milwaukee Yacht Club playing the Chicago Athletic Association within the next week (as of January 16). In early February, arrangements were made for a hockey game between a Milwaukee team and the Wanderers' Cricket Club of Chicago. No results were subsequently reported.

College ice hockey

See: 1896–97 United States collegiate men's ice hockey season

College ice polo

On January 8, 1897, Cambridge of the Massachusetts Ice Polo League beat Brown 7-2 at the Railroad Pond. Cambridge led 3-2 at the half, and poured in four more goals after the break to win in a blowout. Brown: Pevear, Merriman (rushers), Hunt (center), Chase (half-back), Watson (captain, goal). Cambridge: Lyman, Corbett (rushers), Burton (center), Hopkins (half-back), Tobey (goal).

Harvard faced a scrub team on Artificial Pond on January 9 and beat them 5-2. It was noted that Boston College had asked for a game against Harvard.

Brown defeated the Felton Athletic Club, which was composed of players from Cambridge and vicinity, 4-1 at Roger Williams Park on January 13. Brown used the same roster as they did in their previous game, save for Barrows replacing Watson in goal, the latter having suffered an eye injury at practice. Providence High School earned a narrow 3-2 victory over Brown, with McKinney scoring all three goals for the winners.

Harvard and Brown met for the first time in the season at Roger Williams Park in Providence, on January 19, with the former team winning 5-0. Beardsell scored all five goals for Harvard. Their rosters were as follows: Harvard: Gooderidge, Beardsell (rushers), Stevens, Merriman (center), Cla (half-back), Baldwin (goal). Brown: Pevear, Cook (rushers), Hunt (center), Watson (half-back), Barrows (goal).

It was reported that Cornell University had taken up ice polo and arrangements were underway for them to play the New York St. Nicholas club.

On January 27, Harvard beat Cambridge High and Latin School 3-2 in a practice game. Brown defeated Providence High School 4-2 on February 1 and Montclair AC 2-1 at the St. Nicholas Rink in New York in a game for the Championship of the United States on the 3rd.

On February 6, Brown and Harvard were slated to meet in the second game of their series, but it was not played.

Brown planned to play the Brooklyn Ice Polo Club at the Claremont Rink on February 12, and then face the New York Ice Palace Club the next day. Brown cancelled the trip after receiving a telegram from the Ice Palace Club, informing them that they were unable to obtain use of the ice at the Palace rink.

References

Early American hockey seasons (pre-1920)
Pre-1895 - 1894–95 - 1895–96 - 1896–97 - 1897–98 - 1898–99 - 1899–1900 - 1900–01 - 1901–02 - 1902–03 - 1903–04 - 1904–05 - 1905–06 - 1906–07 - 1907–08 - 1908–09 - 1909–10 - 1910–11 - 1911–12 - 1912–13 - 1913–14 - 1914–15 - 1915–16 - 1916–17 - 1917–18 - 1918–19 - 1919–20