 Gerard began his playing career for the local Ottawa amateur team Ottawa New Edinburghs (also known as the Ottawa Seconds), from the New Edinburgh neighborhood of Ottawa.In 1908 he also joined the Ottawa Victorias in a challenge series for the Stanley Cup against the Cup holders, the Montreal Wanderers; Gerard replaced an injured player in the second game of the two-game, total-goal series, which Montreal won, retaining the Cup.As early as 1910 Gerard was approached by the Ottawa Senators of the professional National Hockey Association (NHA), but he decided to remain an amateur.