1897 AHAC season

At the annual meeting on December 12, 1896, the secretary reported that the association had lost all of its records in a fire, except for its minutes.

Clare McKerrow of Montreal HC set a new record with six goals in the opening game against Quebec on January 9.

Ernie McLea scored a hat-trick, including the game and Stanley Cup winning goal.

Winnipeg opened up a 3–0 lead before Montreal scored twice (McLea and Shirley Davidson) to close the gap while Toat Campbell served a penalty.

Robert MacDougall, on an end-to-end rush, put Montreal ahead, but Bain tied it at five with four minutes to play.

With two minutes to play, Graham Drinkwater passed to McLea, who beat George Merritt on a breakaway to put Montreal ahead 6–5 and win the game.