 He also received an offer from the Sydney Hockey Club of the Maritime Hockey League which promised $1,600 () for the season, with an extra $1,000 () to come from advertisements.Having played at the senior amateur level since 1907 for teams in Ottawa, Gerard decided to turn professional in 1913, remaining in his hometown with the Senators.One of the highest regarded athletes in Ottawa, he only agreed to sign with the Senators when they assured him he would be able to keep his government job.