Thousands of fans sign petition to get Stan Bowman out of the Oilers’ organization

Stan Bowman did explain how he has changed since he was banned in 2021 from holding executive positions in the NHL after an independent investigation revealed that they had mishandled allegations of sexual assault raised by a former player, who later identified himself as Kyle Beach, regarding the team’s video coach Brad Aldrich in 2010, Edmonton Oilers’ fans aren’t having it.

On Wednesday, Bowman was hired as the new general manager in Edmonton and within a matter of minutes, a petition was put together and posted on line to get Bowman out of the Oilers’ organization.

At the time this text was written, close to 3000 signatures appeared on the petition. The goal is to reach 5000 names. 

In his introductory press conference in Edmonton on Wednesday, Bowman spoke of his involvement in the Beach story and explained the work he put it to make sure nothing like this ever happens again.

“I can tell you in this room and everyone watching, as well as something I’ve said directly to Kyle Beach, that my response was inadequate back in 2010. I didn’t handle things properly. I should have done more. That’s something I regret and it’s something that I’ve had a chance to reflect on and try to learn from,” Bowman said.

Former NHLer Sheldon Kennedy, co-founder of the Respect Group, attended the press conference and has given his endorsement of the former Blackhawks GM to the Oilers organization.

However fans also have a voice and clearly some of them, who have signed or will sign the petitions, are not ready to give Bowman a second chance.