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Alain Côté is one of the most popular players in Nordiques history.
He began his career in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 1974 with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens. In 1977, he was drafted into both of North America's major leagues. Selected by the Quebec Nordiques of the World Hockey Association in the fifth round (47th pick) and by the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League in the third round, he made an unusual choice at the time and signed a contract with the AMH team.
During the 1977-1978 season, he was called up to play with the Nordiques. In 1979, at the end of the AMH, he followed the team to the National Hockey League.
His famous goal disallowed by Kerry Fraser on April 28, 1987 is now part of Quebec folklore. Indeed, long after the event, the controversy still fuels heated discussions between Montreal and Quebec City fans.
Alain Côté holds the Quebec Nordiques individual record for the fastest hat trick of 3 goals in 2 minutes 17 seconds against Boston on April 1, 1982.
He retired from field hockey at the end of the 1988-1989 season with an important record: the longest stay with the Nordiques, with 12 consecutive seasons in the AMH and NHL. Rarely has a player represented his team and Quebec City so well!