The Edmonton Oilers have lost one of their most recognizable supporters following the signing of Alex Formenton.
Mary Loewen is better known around Rogers Place as “Mama Stanley,” the fan who shows up to playoff games dressed as a sequined Stanley Cup. She first caught Oilers fever during the team’s mid-1980s dynasty years, and in recent seasons her persona has turned her into a fixture at home games, with diehards lining up to pose for photos with her. Some of her own followers live as far away as Germany and Australia. On Wednesday, she announced on social media that she’s finished supporting the team.
“I am deeply disappointed by the Edmonton Oilers’ decision to sign Alex Formenton,” Loewen wrote, per TSN. “Although he was acquitted in court, I cannot ignore my conscience or what this decision represents to me.”
”Mama Stanley” stops her support
Formenton signed a one-year, $850,000 contract with Edmonton on Wednesday. He was one of five players from Canada’s 2018 world junior team charged with sexual assault following a Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario. All five were acquitted at trial last year and later reinstated by the NHL.
Loewen made clear her decision isn’t about the players already on the roster, but about management’s choice to bring in Formenton. She said she feels betrayed, and that she’s lost a team she supported for most of her life.
“As a sexual assault survivor, I must stand by my morals and stand with the woman at the centre of this case,” she said, per TSN. “For that reason, as long as Formenton remains an Oiler, I CANNOT AND WILL NOT support or cheer for this team.”
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The Oilers have been defending the move in direct emails to fans who complained, pointing to what the organization called a “lengthy due diligence process” that included reviewing the legal proceedings and speaking directly with Formenton.
“Alex is grateful for the opportunity and, like every Oilers player, he is expected to uphold the standards and expectations of our organization,” the team wrote.
Loewen didn’t say whether she’ll support another club. She did, however, make one thing clear before signing off.
“Mama Stanley belongs to ME – not the Edmonton Oilers organization,” she said. “She represents BELIEVE, kindness, children, survivors and community. I will not abandon her or EVER compromise her values.”
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