Former Canucks player Jake Virtanen charged with sexual assault

Former Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen was charged Thursday with sexual assault following an investigation by Vancouver Police.

“BC Prosecution Service approved one count of sexual assault against Virtanen, 25, in relation to an incident that occurred in Vancouver on September 26, 2017, when Virtanen was playing in the National Hockey League,” Vancouver Police wrote in a release.

VPD also stated in the release that an investigation was launched in May 2021, after the now-23-year-old victim came forward.

Virtanen, who spent parts of six seasons with the Canucks, last played for the team on April 29, 2021. He was placed on administrative leave by the Canucks on May 1 after allegations first became public. The Canucks bought him out of the final year of his contract this past July. He was due to make $3.4 million.

Virtanen, who is currently playing for Spartak Moscow in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), is not currently in custody.

The Abbotsford native previously denied the allegations in a statement via agent Kevin Epp in response to a civil suit filed by the victim.

“Four years ago, Jake had consensual physical relations with a woman. There were no drugs or alcohol involved. He is adamant that absolutely nothing improper occurred and denies in the strongest possible terms any suggestion that this was non-consensual,” Epp wrote in a statement on August 7.

Update:

The Vancouver Canucks released the following statement regarding Virtanen:

“We have been made aware of the charges laid by the Crown against Jake Virtanen. When the allegations first came to our attention, we immediately placed Jake Virtanen on leave. He is no longer a member of the organization. 

We have been in contact with the Vancouver Police Department throughout their investigation and will continue to provide support as needed. Our organization is committed to fostering a safe and welcoming environment and will not tolerate sexual misconduct of any kind. We will not be commenting further on this matter.”