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International Pro Hockey League (1904-1907)

The first recognized professional hockey league was in 1905, namely the International Professional Hockey League. We say recognized, since the payment of players had been apparently common practice prior to this time, but not "officially". Hockey prior to this league's formation was at an amateur level in Canada, but more at a semi professional level in the United States. This professional league attracted many of the best Canadian players from the established Canadian amateur leagues to play professional hockey. Every player in the International Professional Hockey League received a salary and some were also given lucrative jobs in the community. The league was based in the United States, with a team from Sault St Marie (Canada) also participating (hence the name International) and it competed until 1907, when professional leagues in Canada finally became more organized.

Since they were professional, the league was not allowed to participate in the challenge system for the Stanley Cup, although they attempted to do so. Professional teams were not allowed to compete for the Cup until after the formation of Canadian professional leagues.

The International (Professional) Hockey League consisted of five communities in the upper United States and Ontario, Canada. Houghton Portage Lakes with home ice in the Amphidrome on Portage Lake, Calumet with home ice in the Palastra, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan with home ice at their local curling rink named the Ridge Street Ice-A-Torium, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario with home ice at their local curling rink, and Pittsburgh, PA with home ice in the Duquesne Gardens.

Previously the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) had banned both Sault Ste. Marie teams from competing in their leagues. The Pitsburg(h) team was from the former Pittsburgh based Western Pennsylvania League which was disbanded to enter a team in the new professional circuit.

International Pro Hockey League
(1904-1907) Standings