In December 1907 the Pembroke Hockey Club refused to play against the Renfrew Creamery Kings.

They objected to the presence of Ernie, who was a member of Montreal Wanderers at the time, and was slated to play for the team.

In that match and one that followed, both teams brought in professional players from Montreal and Ottawa to bolster their chances for victory.

Ernie was the son of a jeweler and grew up in a family of one sister and five brothers.

Although Ernie played hockey professionally, the census records of 1911 identify his job as "clerk".