Some Edmonton Oilers fans are drawing a hard line after the club signed former Ottawa Senators forward Alex Formenton on Wednesday.
The backlash comes because Formenton was one of five members of the 2018 Canadian world junior team found not guilty of sexual assault in a London, Ont., trial that concluded in July 2025. Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia found all five not guilty and said she did not consider the complainant’s evidence to be “credible or reliable.”
Among the most vocal responses was one from longtime Oilers superfan Mary Loewen, better known to many supporters as Mama Stanley. In an Instagram statement posted Wednesday, Loewen said she was “deeply disappointed” by the team’s decision.
“Although he was acquitted in court, I cannot ignore my conscience or what this decision represents to me,” said Loewen in the post.
“As a sexual assault survivor, I must stand by my morals and stand with the woman at the centre of this case.
“For that reason, as long as Formenton remains an Oiler, I CANNOT AND WILL NOT support or cheer for this team.”
Loewen said the decision was not an easy one, adding that she has “cried in waves” because she feels betrayed by the organization she has followed since the 1980s.
Her post did not say whether she plans to move her support to another team, but she closed by making clear she still sees Mama Stanley as her own.
“Mama Stanley belongs to ME - not the Edmonton Oilers organization,” said Loewen.
“She represents BELIEVE, kindness, children, survivors and community. I will not abandon her or EVER compromise her values.”
Oilers executive vice-president of external affairs and gaming Tim Shipton addressed the reaction on Thursday during media availability tied to the 10-year anniversary of Rogers Place’s opening. He said the club understands that the signing will not sit well with every fan.
“There’s an extensive process here by our hockey department, by Stan Bowman and Jeff Jackson, to get to a place where the organization felt comfortable in signing Alex,” said Shipton.
Lena Betker, co-CEO of SACE, also said in a phone call with Postmedia on Thursday that the organization is “terribly disappointed” by the Oilers’ move. Betker said many people she has spoken with feel betrayed by the team, and that the reaction in her community has been one of people reeling.
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