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EDMONTON – Dozens of protesters chanted “no is no” and “intoxication is not consent” outside the Rogers Place arena ahead of the Edmonton Oilers’ first home game on Saturday, which featured the team’s controversial new forward, Alex Formenton.
Protesters held signs with messages like “Believe Survivors” as fans arrived, renewing calls for the Oilers to cancel Formenton’s Sept. 9 signing.
He was one of five former members of Canada’s world junior team who were acquitted last year of sexual assault charges stemming from an encounter he had with a woman in a hotel room after a Hockey Canada party in London, Ont., in 2018.
Jaclyn Prouse took part in Saturday’s demonstration. He said the case highlights a dark side of Canadian hockey culture and for the first time he will not support his hometown team because of Formenton.
“I’ve been an Oilers fan my whole life, I’ve lived in Edmonton my whole life, so it’s very unfortunate and heartbreaking to see the decisions made by this team and the organization itself,” he said.
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“I think it’s important for us to have accountability here right now.”
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Die-hard oil company fan Mary Loewen, known as “Mama Stanley,” whose petition against Formenton has garnered nearly 70,000 signatures, said survivors of sexual violence and women in general feel ignored and betrayed by the team.
“I’m Mama Stanley but most importantly, I’m a survivor,” she said Saturday, wearing her signature silvery makeup and an outfit that imitated the Stanley Cup, complete with a tinsel wig and a cup-shaped crown on her head.
“Fans have begged the Edmonton Oilers to listen and this organization has chosen to move forward as if our voices don’t matter.”
Prosecutors argued during the players’ trial that the woman in the London, Ont., hotel room did not voluntarily consent to the sexual activity that occurred, and the players did not take reasonable steps to determine whether she consented.
Lesley Mutschke, another protester, said she shed tears when she heard the team she had supported for most of her life signed Formenton.
“My heart is so broken,” he said.
“I firmly believe that survivors should always be believed.”
The Oilers have defended the signing.
Edmonton general manager Stan Bowman said he respects that everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the Oilers did their due diligence before signing Formenton to a one-year, $850,000 contract.
“I’ve had a lot of conversations with Alex,” Bowman said Wednesday. “He has grown a lot in the last few years, from then to now. He has shown that growth.”
Loewen’s petition is not the only petition related to Formenton. Another letter intended to show support for the Oilers and their forward has received more than 2,500 signatures.
“Respect the decision,” said the message attached to the petition.
“The presumption of innocence is one of the foundations of the Canadian justice system. This is because accusations can permanently affect a person’s reputation, livelihood and future long before guilt occurs,” he said.
“Supporting the Edmonton Oilers’ decision to sign Alex Formenton does not require anyone to minimize sexual violence.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2026.
© 2026 Canadian Press
