Eddie Gerard - Playing Career

Playing Career

In November 1913, while still an amateur player, Gerard was approached by several teams in regards to turning professional. He initially had an offer from the Montreal Canadiens of $1,000 for, but refused. Early in the month the Ottawa Senators offered him a contract of $1,500 for two seasons, which would have made him one of the highest paid players in hockey. He also received an offer from the Sydney Hockey Club from the Maritime Hockey League promised $1,600 for the season, with an extra $1,000 to come from advertisements. Gerard joined the professional ranks in 1913–14 with the Ottawa Senators, after playing in senior amateur play since 1907 with various Ottawa teams. He had also played rugby football, and gave that up to play with the Senators. One of the highest regarded athletes in Ottawa, he only signed with the Senators when they assured him he would be able to keep his government job. When he did sign, he was given a bonus of C$400. In 1915, he was named to the NHA All-Stars which went on a tour in British Columbia to play PCHA teams. Gerard was player-coach of the Senators from 1916 until 1918. He later served as captain of the Senators from 1919 to 1923. He retired after the 1922–23 season due to a growth, although benign, in his throat, which diminished his breathing.

Gerard won four Stanley Cups during his playing career. Three came as a member of the Ottawa Senators and one with the Toronto St. Pats. In game five of the 1921 Stanley Cup Finals, Gerard had six penalties, one of which was a match penalty near the end of the game. Gerard was attending the 1922 Stanley Cup Final, held that year in Toronto when Harry Cameron, a defenceman of the St. Pats, was injured. Vancouver Millionaires Manager Lester Patrick gave permission to Toronto to use Gerard to replace their injured player. Toronto won the game and the series. It was his only game with the St. Pats.