Former Canuck Jake Virtanen officially charged with sexual assault

The BC Prosecution Service has charged former Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen with one count of sexual assault.

It comes after a Vancouver Police investigation that was launched in May 2021, when a now-23-year-old victim came forward with sexual assault allegations against the professional athlete.

The VPD said the charge is “in relation to an incident that occurred in Vancouver on September 26, 2017, when Virtanen was playing in the National Hockey League.”

#VPDNews: Jake Virtanen, 25, has been charged with sexual assault in relation to an incident that happened in Vancouver on September 26, 2017, when Virtanen was playing in the National Hockey League. https://t.co/b6ItIMSDsp pic.twitter.com/KNPdJPOBPp

— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) January 27, 2022

Virtanen, who was picked sixth overall in the 2014 draft by Vancouver, was placed on leave by the Canucks on May 1, 2021, after the allegations surfaced.

“We have become aware of the concerning allegations made about Jake Virtanen,” the club said in a release at the time.

“Our organization does not accept sexual misconduct of any kind and the claims as reported are being treated very seriously by us.”

It added: “We have engaged external expertise to assist in an independent investigation and we have placed the player on leave as we await more information.”

The VPD noted today that Virtanen is not currently in custody.

The 25-year-old from the Lower Mainland is currently playing in Russia for Moscow Spartak of the KHL.

In 317 career NHL games, all with the Canucks, Virtanen scored 55 goals and 100 points.