The Edmonton Oilers’ decision to sign Alex Formenton was always going to generate controversy. Less than two days after the move became official, that backlash has grown well beyond criticism on social media, with some longtime supporters distancing themselves from the organization and a petition calling for the signing to be reversed approaching 27,000 signatures.
Edmonton signed Formenton to a one-year contract carrying an $850,000 AAV on Sept. 9. The 26-year-old had spent three of the previous four seasons playing for HC Ambri-Piotta in Switzerland, recording 52 points in 88 games.
Formenton was one of five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team charged with sexual assault in connection with an incident following a Hockey Canada event in London, Ont. All five players were acquitted in 2025. The NHL subsequently reinstated the players and made them eligible to return to the league.
However, the Oilers’ decision to give Formenton that opportunity has divided their fan base.
Mama Stanley Turns Her Back on Oilers
Perhaps the most recognizable fan to publicly withdraw her support is Mary Loewen, better known as “Mama Stanley.”
Loewen became a familiar face during Edmonton’s recent playoff runs, dressing head-to-toe in silver and sequins as a human Stanley Cup. Following the Formenton signing, however, she announced that she would no longer support the Oilers while he remains with the organization.
“I am deeply disappointed by the Edmonton Oilers’ decision to sign Alex Formenton,” Loewen wrote, while acknowledging that Formenton was acquitted. She later added that she felt “betrayed” by an organization she had supported for most of her life.
Her stance has quickly gained support.
Petition Approaches 27,000 Signatures
Loewen launched a Change.org petition asking the Oilers and OEG Inc. to take every lawful and contractually available step to reverse the signing and end Formenton’s affiliation with the organization.
The petition specifically acknowledges Formenton’s acquittal and states that it is not attempting to overturn the court’s decision or declare him guilty. Instead, it argues that fans are entitled to decide whether the organization’s roster decisions align with their values.
The response has been significant. The petition had surpassed 19,000 signatures Friday morning and more than 21,000 by approximately 11:25 a.m. According to the latest count shown on the petition page provided, that number has since climbed to 26,551 verified signatures, putting it just shy of 27,000.
The backlash has also extended beyond individual fans. The Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton expressed concern about the signing, saying decisions made by sports organizations can send broader messages about “consent, safety, accountability, and respect.”
Oilers Now Facing a Difficult Situation
There are also fans who support Edmonton’s decision, pointing to Formenton’s acquittal and arguing that he should be allowed to resume his NHL career. The Oilers have defended the move, citing his reinstatement and the organization’s due-diligence process.
But regardless of where someone stands, the reaction illustrates the risk Edmonton accepted when it made the signing.
Nearly 27,000 petition signatures won’t necessarily convince the Oilers to reverse course. What they do demonstrate is that this isn’t simply a controversial hockey transaction that will disappear from the news cycle in a day or two.
For a franchise with one of the NHL’s most passionate fan bases, seeing supporters — including one of its most recognizable superfans — publicly turn away from the team shows just how divisive the Formenton signing has become.
Next: Maple Leafs Make a Big, Well-Received Call on Gavin McKenna at Rookie Camp
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