The Edmonton Oilers’ choice to bring on a hockey player who was acquitted of sexual assault last year has ignited a significant wave of disappointment and demands for the organization to “do better.”
The backlash began to escalate on Wednesday following the team’s announcement of their one-year contract with Alex Formenton, which is valued at $850,000 US.
Formenton was among five players from Canada’s 2018 world junior squad facing accusations of sexual assault, related to an incident involving a woman after a Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario.
“The immediate response from fans has been overwhelmingly negative, at least from what I’ve observed across social media,” Daily Hive sports reporter Preston Hodgkinson shared with CBC News on Thursday.
“I recall the backlash against Corey Perry, and Mike Babcock faced similar scrutiny this past summer, even Stan Bowman. There was considerable resistance to all those decisions. However, this reaction appears to be even more intense.”
For some Oilers supporters, the loyalty to the team is being challenged as the signing of Alex Formenton generates backlash in Edmonton. Formenton was acquitted in the high-profile World Junior sexual assault case last year. One prominent superfan has even decided to stop showing her team colors. Tristan Mottershead reports.
In response to an Oilers Instagram post announcing the signing, many users expressed feelings of embarrassment, disgust, and disappointment. While a few defended the signing, numerous commenters stated they would withdraw their support for the team as long as Formenton remained part of it.
One comment from @ireland1102, which garnered over 4,200 likes by Thursday morning, stated, “To the Oilers organization: you need to do better for your female fans.”
“This is not merely about hockey; it concerns the message you are conveying to the women and girls who wear your jersey, purchase your tickets, and have supported this team throughout their lives.”
A screenshot of the Edmonton Oilers’ Instagram post regarding Alex Formenton’s signing, along with some reactions. (Edmonton Oilers/Instagram)
One of the team’s most notable fans shared similar feelings in her own social media update.
“While he was acquitted in court, I cannot overlook my conscience or what this decision signifies for me,” wrote Mary Loewen, who is known for dressing as a sequined Stanley Cup dubbed “Mama Stanley” during NHL playoffs.
Loewen stated on her Instagram that she is a survivor of sexual assault, adding, “For that reason, I CANNOT AND WILL NOT support or cheer for this team as long as Formenton is with them.”
On Thursday, she initiated an online petition urging the Oilers to sever ties with Formenton. Loewen has not yet responded to a request from The Canadian Press for an interview.
Acquitted in July 2025
The five hockey players — Formenton, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Michael McLeod — were acquitted in July 2025. The NHL subsequently reinstated all five.
Recently, an independent appeal board concluded that all five had violated the Hockey Canada code of conduct and recommended continued suspensions from any Hockey Canada-sanctioned activities for four of the players.
Only Formenton was deemed eligible for immediate reinstatement.
Formenton expressed gratitude for joining the Oilers after what he described as a “challenging journey.”
The 26-year-old from Barrie, Ontario, played three of the last four seasons in Switzerland with HC Ambri-Piotta and did not participate in hockey during the remaining year. He tallied 33 goals and 19 assists for 52 points in 88 games with HC Ambri-Piotta. His last NHL appearance was during the 2021–22 season with the Ottawa Senators.
Hodgkinson expressed confusion as to why Oilers management would take on the “baggage” associated with signing Formenton, especially considering his recent performance on the ice.
“It’s not as if you’re bringing in a star player,” he remarked. “You’re adding a bottom-line player while also dealing with all this. It doesn’t seem worthwhile to me.”
Despite the strong backlash, Hodgkinson mentioned that some individuals have shown support for giving Formenton an opportunity following his acquittal.
He also highlighted that many vocal critics of the signing are individuals, like Loewen, who have identified themselves as survivors of sexual assault, stating, “and this is a clear ‘eff you.'”
Late Wednesday, the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE) released a statement indicating that the Oilers’ announcement “may be challenging for many survivors and members of our community.”
“If this news is eliciting difficult feelings or emotions, please remember you are not alone. SACE is here. We hear you, we believe you, and we stand with you.”