 In the 1915 – 16 season , Holmes signed with the Seattle Metropolitans of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association ( PCHA ) , although he was still under contract to the Blueshirts . In his first season with the Metropolitans , Holmes played 18 games . He finished with a 9 – 9 record , with no shutouts and a 3 @.@ 67 goals @-@ against average . That season , the Metropolitans missed the playoffs . In his sophomore season , Holmes posted a 16 – 8 record over 24 games , with two shutouts and a 3 @.@ 28 goals @-@ against average . In the Stanley Cup finals , Holmes posted a 3 – 1 record with a 2 @.@ 75 goals @-@ against average , en route to the Metropolitans ' only Stanley Cup win . The Metropolitans became the first American @-@ based team to win the Stanley Cup . 
