New GM Stan Bowman reassures Edmonton Oilers fanbase after overwhelmingly negative response

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified Jul 25, 2024 06:55 GMT

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The Edmonton Oilers' decision to appoint Stan Bowman as their new GM on Wednesday was met with significant backlash from the fan base. The hiring of Bowman stirred strong emotions among fans due to his controversial past.

Previously, Bowman, while serving as the Chicago Blackhawks GM, was suspended by the league alongside former coach Joel Quenneville and assistant GM Al McIsaac following an independent investigation's findings.

The investigation revealed that the team had mishandled a sexual assault allegation against video coach Brad Aldrich. The Oilers' choice to bring in Bowman sparked criticism.

During his introductory press conference as the new GM of the Edmonton Oilers, Bowman addressed dissatisfaction with the hiring due to his controversial past. He acknowledged, saying:

“I understand it, I respect people’s opinion,” Bowman said (via Daily Faceoff). “One thing I’ve learned over time is that it’s very hard to talk people into things, so I’m not going to make an argument to feel a certain way. I respect how they feel.”

Bowman's response aimed to reassure the fanbase and demonstrate his willingness to acknowledge their sentiments. He firmly expressed his assurance that the mentioned occurrences would not take place under his management in the future.

“I can tell you without a doubt that those things will never happen on my watch again,” Bowman said.

Edmonton Oilers CEO reflects on Stan Bowman's hiring

Oilers CEO and former interim GM Jeff Jackson shared his thoughts on Bowman's hiring. He noted that Bowman has recognized the shortcomings in the initial response and has assumed complete responsibility for the inadequate handling of the Blackhawks 2010 sexual assault incident.

“What happened to Kyle Beach in 2010 was wrong,” Jackson said. “It was horrible, it wasn’t handled properly at the time. I think Stan has acknowledged and taken full responsibility for the inadequate response.”

During his tenure with the Blackhawks as the GM of the club, Bowman achieved significant success, securing three Stanley Cups with the team in 2010, 2013, and 2015.

However, in October 2021, Stan Bowman decided to step down from his roles within the Hawks organization and as the GM of the U.S. Olympic men's hockey team.