- Topi Ronni leaves his Finnish team Tappara Tampere
- The alleged rape took place when the hockey prospect was a minor
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Calgary Flames prospect Topi Ronni informed his Finnish Elite League team Thursday that he is under investigation over a rape allegation that occurred two years ago in his native Finland.
Ronni was selected by Calgary in the second round of the 2022 NHL draft and is playing for Tappara Tampere in his third season. He played in five matches for Finland at the 2023 World Junior Championship.
The Flames released a statement saying they were aware of a possible legal matter involving Ronni after the draft. “We take this matter seriously and will allow the legal process to take its course,” the Flames said.
In an announcement on his websiteTappara Tampere said Ronni is renouncing team activities after receiving a court summons.
In a statement translated from Finnish, Ronni said: “Over the past two years we have had to wait hard for the case to progress. I trust that the related proceedings in connection with the trial will be clarified.”
Finland’s Topi Ronni (left) chases Latvian Emils Veckaktins (right) behind the net during the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship first period match
The Flames said they became aware of a possible legal issue involving Ronni after the draft
“I will be away from (the) team’s activities for the time being and concentrate on handling the case.”
The 19-year-old center was a minor at the time of the alleged rape.
Details of the alleged rape are unknown because the court documents are sealed and no court date has been scheduled.
Tampere CEO Mika Aro also said in a translated team statement: “We take the suspected crime seriously, but we are waiting for the court hearing and will then evaluate the player’s position. This is also about labor law.’
Ronni has one goal and one assist in twelve games for the Tappara this season.
The Flames are 2-1-1 to start the NHL season.