renfrew's challenge was stymied by the stanley cup trustees because renfrew had signed players that were signed to other professional clubs. the trustees made those players who had joined teams after january 2 ineligible for challenge play. renfrew had signed bert lindsay, didier pitre and steve vair from edmonton after their exhibition game in ottawa. the players themselves were 'ringers' for edmonton, not having played in the previous season for edmonton, only signing for the cup challenge. renfrew had also signed quebec's eddie hogan january 11 and jack mcdonald february 13th.