Edmonton Oilers just lost 'Mama Stanley' as a fan
The Edmonton Oilers’ most iconic superfan has jumped off the bandwagon.
The reaction to the Oilers’ signing of Alex Formenton, one of the five players involved in the Hockey Canada scandal, has been swift among the Edmonton faithful. Formenton was acquitted last summer, but that has not done much to sway portions of the fan base.
Disappointment and frustration have been widespread, and it seems to have been the breaking point for Mary Loewen, better known as Oilers superfan “Mama Stanley.”
In a statement posted to her Instagram page, Loewen said that she no longer considers herself a fan of the Oilers after the Formenton signing.
“With a very, very broken heart, I am making an announcement I never imagined I would have to make,” Loewen wrote. “I am deeply disappointed by the Edmonton Oilers’ decision to sign Alex Formenton. Although he was acquitted in court, I cannot ignore my conscience or what this decision represents to me. As a sexual assault survivor, I must stand by my morals and stand with the woman at the centre of this case.
“For that reason, as long as Formenton remains an Oiler, I cannot and will not support or cheer for this team. This isn’t about the players who have been there — I will always love my boys.”
Mama Stanley made waves over the past few seasons for dressing up as the Stanley Cup at Oilers games and playoff watch parties. Her getup included painting herself silver and wearing a custom-made outfit to mimic hockey’s greatest prize.
Mama Stanley gets no shortage of photo requests. (Allison Stephen/Daily Hive)
It was clear that she had a true passion for the Oilers, and she says that this was a difficult decision to make.
“This is about the organization’s decision to bring in this one player. I just cannot support that decision,” Loewen wrote. “I did not make this choice lightly or simply out of anger. I’ve cried in waves because I feel betrayed by an organization I have proudly loved and represented for years.
“Losing Game 7 two years ago meant losing a Stanley Cup; this feels like losing a team I have loved with all my heart and for most of my life.”
While this is a big change for Loewen, she said it does not mean she will abandon her Mama Stanley persona. It appears she remains committed to keeping her passion for the sport alive, just not with the Oilers at the moment.
“I am still Mama Stanley. Mama Stanley belongs to me — not the Edmonton Oilers organization,” Loewen wrote. “She represents BELIEVE, kindness, children, survivors, and community. I will not abandon her or ever compromise her values.”
Formenton last played in the NHL back during the 2021-22 season with the Ottawa Senators. He spent the last three seasons playing in the Swiss league, where he notched 13 goals and 23 points in 42 games with Ambri-Piotta this past year.
He is the third member of the Hockey Canada five to sign an NHL deal since being reinstated by the league last season. Carter Hart inked a deal with the Vegas Golden Knights last October, and Dillon Dube signed a one-way NHL deal with the St. Louis Blues this past summer.
Cal Foote played in the AHL last season with the Chicago Wolves and is still looking for a contract for this upcoming season. Michael McLeod is currently under contract with the KHL’s Avangard Omsk in Russia.