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A chorus of letdown and demands for the Edmonton Oilers to improve has erupted following their choice to contract a hockey player who was found not guilty last year of sexual assault.
A flood of harsh criticism began on Wednesday when the franchise revealed that Alex Formenton had agreed to a one-season, $850,000 USD deal.
He was among five members of the 2018 Canadian world junior roster who faced sexual assault charges originating from an incident with a female companion following a Hockey Canada event in London, Ontario.
“The preliminary feedback from supporters online has been incredibly hostile,” stated Preston Hodgkinson, a sports writer for Daily Hive, during a Thursday conversation with CBC News.
“We saw strong resistance to Corey Perry’s situation, as well as Mike Babcock earlier this summer, and Stan Bowman too. There was considerable pushback in those instances, but this situation feels even more severe.”
Users left remarks on an Oilers Instagram upload detailing the acquisition, expressing feelings of shame, repulsion, and deep regret. Although some supporters backed the decision, a vast number declared they would withdraw their allegiance from the franchise while Formenton remains on the roster.
“Message to the Oilers: you must treat your female fan base with more respect,” remarked @ireland1102 in a reply that accumulated over 4,200 reactions by Thursday morning.
“This goes beyond the game; it is about the signal you convey to the women and girls who purchase your merchandise, attend matches, and have remained loyal supporters throughout their lives.”
A prominent figure among the team’s followers shared a matching perspective on her social media platform.
“Despite his legal acquittal, I cannot turn a blind eye to my principles or the symbolism of this acquisition,” shared Mary Loewen, known to hockey fans during postseason games as the glittery Stanley Cup character “Mama Stanley.”
Loewen disclosed on her Instagram account that she had experienced sexual assault, declaring, “Because of this, I will absolutely refuse to back or cheer for this franchise as long as Formenton is on the roster.”
She initiated a digital petition on Thursday urging the franchise to sever ties with the athlete. Loewen was not immediately available when reached by The Canadian Press for comment.
Found Not Guilty in July 2025
All five hockey players under accusation — Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Michael McLeod — were acquitted of charges in July 2025. Subsequently, the NHL cleared them to return.
During the previous month, an autonomous review panel determined that the five athletes had violated Hockey Canada’s code of behavior, proposing that four of them continue to face suspension from sanctioned events.
Formenton stood as the sole athlete deemed eligible for an immediate return to the ice.
The player expressed his gratitude for the opportunity with the Oilers following what he described as a challenging journey.
Originally from Barrie, Ontario, the 26-year-old participated in Swiss hockey for HC Ambri-Piotta during three of the last four years, sitting out of professional play for the remaining year. In Switzerland, he notched 33 goals alongside 19 assists, totaling 52 points across 88 appearances. His prior NHL stint occurred back in the 2021–22 season as a member of the Ottawa Senators.
Hodgkinson expressed confusion over why the Oilers’ front office would accept the controversy surrounding the acquisition when evaluating his athletic output lately.
“This isn’t an elite-tier player being acquired,” he pointed out. “Instead, they are signing a depth player while taking on heavy scrutiny. It seems hard to justify.”
Though the backlash remains intense, Hodgkinson acknowledged that a subset of fans has voiced approval for granting him a fresh start given the court’s verdict.
He highlighted that many of the loudest voices condemning the decision are individuals who, like Loewen, are survivors of sexual violence, noting that the move feels like a deliberate insult to them.
On Wednesday evening, the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE) published a message acknowledging that the team’s signing “might trigger distress for local survivors and community members.
“Should this development evoke challenging feelings, please remember that support is available. SACE remains a resource. We are listening, we trust your experiences, and we offer our support.”
