Bill Cowley was inducted to the NHL Hall of Fame in 1968. Known as one of the greatest playmakers of all time, he helped lead the Boston Bruins to Stanley Cup victories in 1939 and 1941. He spent 12 of his 13-year career with Boston, the only other being his rookie season as a member of the incredibly short-lived St. Louis Eagles. He was also awarded the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL scoring leader in 1941, and also won the Hart Trophy twice, in ’41 and ’43.

Cowley, like most NHLers of the era, was paid a minimal salary that would be boosted dramatically if he managed to reach a number of milestones. In 1943, one of those being if he broke the single-season assists record, set by himself two years prior. In the course of the season, he sent a letter to NHL president Red Dutton requesting that an assist credited to him be removed from the official scoring record, as he believed he had no involvement. Dutton honored Cowley’s bizarre request and the assist was revoked.

By season’s end, Cowley finished second in the scoring race with 72 points. Chicago’s Doug Bentley won the Art Ross Trophy with 73. Cowley also ended up tying his own assists record of 45. Not only that, but he wasn’t awarded his bonus. As if those two tragedies weren’t enough, Cowley finished his career after playing in 549 regular season games. As you might have foreseen coming, Cowley scored 548 points. The forgotten assist meant that Cowley could not claim to have scored a point per game throughout his career.

Cowley’s honesty cost him a number of personal career niceties, but he was always able to tell the story about his gentlemanly move, which to some was worth far more than a single assist. Cowley passed away on Dec. 31, 1993 at the age of 81. His decision in 1943 not only helps to secure his legacy, it serves as a base for other athletes. In today’s age where dozens of cameras can slow down replays to the to absolutely determine who deserves what point, Cowley’s letter reminds us of a simpler era; one that couldn’t help but shape the future to come.