The Maritime Professional Hockey League began to look more like a professional organization when an interesting newspaper story popped up in late January, 1911. It stated that the Moncton Vics were negotiating with Art Ross.  Ross was considered to be one of the best defensive players in Canada and eventually signed with the Montreal Wanderers but this news indicated to the Maritime fans that the new league was interested in providing professional hockey that matched the quality offered in the upper provinces.  More exciting news came in late January when it was disclosed that the management of the Halifax Crescents were in contact with the Ottawa Senators and the Montreal Canadians in an attempt to set up some exhibition matches in Halifax.