William Hodgson `` Hod '' Stuart ( February 20 , 1879 â `` June 23 , 1907 ) was a Canadian professional ice hockey point ( now called a defenceman ) who played nine seasons for many teams in different leagues . William Hodgson `` Hod '' Stuart ( February 20 , 1879 â `` June 23 , 1907 ) was a Canadian professional ice hockey cover-point ( now known as a defenceman ) who played nine seasons for several teams in different leagues .