The Montreal Victorias were champions of the AHA for a third straight season in 1897 (again with a 7-1-0 record), and accepted a challenge from the Ottawa Capitals, winners of the Central Canada Hockey Association title. The challenge was scheduled for December, which would place it just before the beginning of the next hockey season. Although this Stanley Cup confrontation was originally set as a best-of-three series, the trustees ended the affair after one game because the two teams were unevenly matched.
1896-97 - Montreal Victorias - Gordon Lewis, Harold Henderson, Mike Grant (captain), Cam Davidson, Graham Drinkwater, Bob McDougall, Ernie McLea, Shirley Davidson, Hartland McDougall, Jack Ewing, Percy Molson, David Gillilan, McLellan.
SCORES
| Dec. 27 | New Glasgow | 3 | at Mtl. Wanderers | 10 |
| Dec. 29 | New Glasgow | 2 | at Mtl. Wanderers | 7 |