The Edmonton Oilers recently signed Alex Formenton, one of five players from Canada’s World Junior team who were charged with sexual assault in 2018, and later acquitted of the charges in July, 2025. Following the Sept. 9 announcement, the team’s decision was criticized through online comments. Prominent fan Mary Loewen — better known as Mama Stanley — posted on her Instagram account the following day that she was withdrawing her support so long as Formenton remains on the team.
The Griff spoke with students at MacEwan University to get their thoughts on the signing.
“As a visible minority, I know through mounds and mounds of research of my own, that acquittal does not mean they didn’t do it.”
— Ayeo Fregene, Upgrading Student
He also feels that the team is complicit in the harm and disillusionment of fans.
“I understand that he was acquitted in court, but morally it kinda feels iffy,” said student Alex Bouchard.
“I feel like Edmonton has a reputation to uphold, and I don’t think this was really ideal.”
MacEwan bachelor of arts students Emily Myles and Anisha Calvin also shared their feelings on the decision. “It’s a big issue in today’s society, where sexual assault and rape, and all those bad things, has just become such a norm. It sucks so much to see such a great team accept someone who has ever been associated with or affiliated in those types of things,” Calvin said. Myles added that the team shouldn’t condone Formenton’s past actions.
Not everyone had the same opinion. When asked about the signing, biology student Isaac Levesque said that he doesn’t mind, but finds it to be a strange hire for the Oilers.
“I think he was fifth on his team in scoring in the Swiss league, and that he could be a good fourth-line guy,” Levesque said.
“I think it’s negative press they’re bringing on themselves, and I think that’s kinda weird.”
The day after the public announcement, the Oilers general manager, Stan Bowman, said the decision to bring Formenton on would be controversial, but he ultimately decided it was the right call.
