The dedication of the Stanley Cup in 1893 as the symbol of world hockey supremacy led to the establishment of a competition to determine the best team in the sport. Winnipeg Victorias issued a challenge to the reigning champion Montreal Victorias and on February 14, 1896, the two teams met in Montreal in the first truly national championship match. Over 2,000 spectators watched as Winnipeg gained the early advantage on a goal by team captain Jack Armytage and the Montrealers were shocked when C.J. Campbell gave the visitors a 2-0 lead prior to the end of the first half. In the second half, the Winnipeggers played a more defensive game and faced growing pressure from the Montreal squad. An exceptional effort by goaltender George “Whitey” Merritt, who was the first backstop to wear leg prot