March 18, 1892.
Dinner party for the Ottawa Athletic Association.
Ottawa, Ont.
Gentlemen:I have for sometime been thinking that it would be a good thing if there were a challenge cup, which would be held from year to year by the leading hockey club in the Dominion (of Canada). There does not appear to be any outward sign of the championship at present, and considering the general interest which hockey matches now elicit, and the importance of having the game played fairly and under rules generally recognized, I am willing to give a cup which shall be held from year to year by the winning club.
-Lord Kilcoursie (Aide of Lord Stanley)