Published • loading... • Updated
Thousands Sign Petition Calling on Edmonton Oilers to Reverse Formenton Signing
The one-year, US$850,000 deal drew criticism as fans and advocates cited the sexual-assault case and code-of-conduct findings.
- On Wednesday, the Edmonton Oilers signed Alex Formenton to a one-year, US$850,000 contract, sparking immediate backlash as an online petition collected more than 19,000 signatures by Friday morning.
- Formenton was one of five players acquitted in July 2025 of sexual assault charges stemming from a 2018 Hockey Canada gala in London, Ont., a history critics say conflicts with organizational values.
- Longtime superfan Mary Loewen, known as 'Mama Stanley,' launched the petition, declaring, 'I CANNOT AND WILL NOT support or cheer for this team,' while the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton issued a statement supporting survivors.
- Oilers executive vice-president Tim Shipton defended the signing on Thursday, citing a lengthy due diligence process and reinstatement by the National Hockey League and Hockey Canada, though acknowledging not all fans would agree.
- Daily Hive journalist Preston Hodgkinson questioned why management would accept the 'baggage' of this signing, noting the decision sends a powerful message about what the franchise values to its community.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions
47 Articles
47 Articles
He was one of Team Canada's five players acquitted last year of charges of sexual assault.
·Montreal, Canada
Read Full Article
The Toronto Star+31 Reposted by 31 other sources
Thousands sign petition calling on Edmonton Oilers to reverse Formenton signing
EDMONTON - An online petition calling on the Edmonton Oilers to reverse the signing of Alex Formenton had collected more than 19,000 signatures as of Friday morning.
·Toronto, Canada
Read Full Article
‘I must stand by my morals’: Mama Stanley won’t cheer for Oilers after Formenton hire
Edmonton Oilers superfan Mama Stanley will be sitting this season out after her team signed Alex Formenton, one of five hockey players acquitted in the high-profile World Juniors sexual assault case.
·Toronto, Canada
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources47
Leaning Left19Leaning Right2Center14Last UpdatedBias Distribution54% Left
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources lean Left
54% Left
L 54%
C 40%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
