Roger Cote is, in fact, alive.
The Edmonton Oilers apologized Friday for including the 76-year-old former defenseman in their tribute to deceased members of the organization on Rexall Place Farewell Night last month.
"In an extreme oversight and error, we included Mr. Cote in that portion of the program," the Oilers said in a statement on the team's official website.
"Roger is alive and well, living in Garson, Ontario. For this action and any confusion or pain it caused Mr. Cote and his family and friends, we sincerely apologize."
Cote's name and photo appeared just before the three-minute mark of the tribute video.
The Oilers said they have been in contact with Cote and his daughter, who have forgiven the club for the error. The team will invite him and his son to a game at the new arena, Rogers Place, next season.
Cote was the first-ever signing of the WHA's Alberta Oilers, who played one season under that name before becoming the Edmonton Oilers prior to the 1973-74 campaign. He spent both of those seasons with the organization, and retired in 1975.
- With h/t to Puck Daddy
