More than 100 hockey fans protest Oilers' signing of acquitted Alex Formenton
Demonstrators gathered outside Rogers Place during Saturday's pre-season opener, chanting 'no means no' as the 26-year-old forward made his debut.
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More than 100 hockey fans gathered outside Rogers Place on Saturday night to protest the Edmonton Oilers' decision to sign Alex Formenton, a 26-year-old forward acquitted of sexual assault charges in July 2025.
Formenton signed a contract with the Oilers on Wednesday, September 9 for the 2026-2027 season. He made his pre-season debut Saturday against Winnipeg, scoring in the second period. The protest was organized by Mama Stanley, a recognized superfan in Oil Country who wore a silver sequined dress and a matching bowl on her head with a necklace bearing a large "believe" pendant. Mama Stanley arrived about 15 minutes after the posted start time, walked the protest line, hugged supporters, and shook hands with demonstrators.
Protesters chanted "Formie's got to go, no means no" and held signs reading "Acquitted does not equal innocent," "Drunk isn't consent," and "Acquitted fourth liner over lifelong fans … really, Bowman?" — the latter referencing general manager Stan Bowman. Inside Rogers Place, Formenton's first shift on ice was greeted with silence from the crowd, though he drew cheers when he scored.
Formenton is the third player acquitted in the Hockey Canada sexual assault case to receive an NHL contract since the trial ended. Carter Hart faced "no means no" chants from Vegas Golden Knights fans in North Carolina during the Stanley Cup Final. Five players from the 2018 Canadian World Junior team faced charges stemming from a London, Ontario hotel room incident: Formenton, Hart, Dillon Dube, Michael McLeod, and Cal Foote. All five were acquitted. Hart signed with Vegas and reached the Cup Final; Dube signed with St. Louis Blues; McLeod signed in Russia; Foote remains unsigned. Justice Maria Carroccia ruled the Crown did not prove the sex was non-consensual, citing inconsistent testimony from the complainant. Hockey Canada's independent panel nonetheless ruled all five breached the national association's code of conduct, and Hart, Dube, McLeod, and Foote still cannot represent Canada in international competitions. Hockey Canada lifted Formenton's suspension in August.
Oilers general manager Bowman fielded questions on Wednesday, with much of the time focused on the Formenton signing decision. The organization has not publicly commented on Saturday's protest.
What process did the Oilers use to vet Formenton's signing, and what input did the players' association or the team's hockey operations provide?
How many season ticket holders or long-term donors have stated they will not renew because of the signing?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
When did Alex Formenton sign with the Edmonton Oilers?
Alex Formenton signed with the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, for the 2026-2027 season.
How many people protested outside Rogers Place on Saturday?
More than 100 hockey fans gathered outside Rogers Place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, to protest the signing.
Who organized the protest?
Mama Stanley, a recognized superfan in Oil Country, organized the protest. She wore a silver sequined dress, a matching bowl on her head, and a necklace bearing a large 'believe' pendant.
Did Alex Formenton play in Saturday's game?
Yes, Alex Formenton made his pre-season debut for the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, September 19, 2026, against Winnipeg and scored in the second period.
