Oilers honor deceased former player... except he's not dead.

You have to imagine this is the kind of mistake that is going to end up costing someone their job.

The Edmonton Oilers made a huge error back in early April, when they honored the former Oilers players who had recently passed away. Included in the segment was former Oiler Roger Cote, who has not passed away. Today the Oilers issued a formal apology to Cote family.

Oilers Entertainment Group would like to issue a formal apology to former Edmonton Oiler (WHA) Roger Cote and his family. In a special segment during the Farewell Rexall Place Night on April 6, 2016, the organization honoured members of the Oilers Alumni who have unfortunately passed on. In an extreme oversight and error, we included Mr. Cote in that portion of the program. 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.

While it's not hard to imagine how learning of a loved one dying during a hockey game could cause members of the Cote family pain, there is a silver lining in this story. Obviously feeling bad for their oversight the Oilers have gone out of their way to make things up to Mr. Cote and his family, and it sounds like an unfortunate situation will be turned into a positive.

We have been in close contact since the error with both Roger and his daughter Pamela. They have been incredibly kind and forgiving in dealing with this situation. We will be hosting the former Oiler and his son at a special Oilers game in the upcoming season at Rogers Place. We will also be inviting some of his WHA teammates to re-connect with Roger and share the evening with him.

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