1893 - SHAMROCKS/CAPITALS THE DYNAMIC DUO
Ottawa lost a Victoria Day encounter to Shamrocks 4-1 but avenged it
with a 7-1 victory ten days later. The second exhibition game would be
a sign of things to come.
Inter league exhibitions produced several matches of interest. On
Dominion Day Ottawa played Stratford. The Iroquois were defending
C.L.A. champs and would repeat in '93 and '94. Against Capitals they
were no match, losing 5-1. Toronto took on New York Athletics and
doubled them 4-2. In mid September the same score went against them in
a match versus Victoria. A hint that the west would soon be heard
from.
A horrific season for the Triple A's as they lost all eight of their
matches. Toronto and Cornwall both faired a bit better by winning
three each. Yet they were miles behind the Big Two.
Capitals opened championship play with a pair of three goal triumphs
over M.A.A.A. and Toronto. The irish also beat the Winged Wheels 4-1,
plus they prevailed in a couple of two goal games over Toronto and
Cornwall. The two undefeated clubs met on July 22nd. Ottawa produced
a convincing 6-1 win. Billy Leacy, formerly with Cornwall and
Brockville, assisted on half the goals. George Carson was a bigger
contributor with five points, including two goals.
The leaders followed that victory by steamrolling over their next
opponents. Yet the pennant remained in doubt until their final meeting
with Shamrocks. The green shirts struggled after the Ottawa loss.
They barely defeated Toronto and Triple A's in one goal games. Still
they remained in striking distance of Ottawa, setting up a big finale.
Capitals completed their perfect season with a 3-2 victory. James
Murphy's two counters were key.
