Virtanen charged with sexual assault

Former Canucks forward currently playing in Russia

Former Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen has been charged with sexual assault following an investigation by authorities.

Vancouver police said Thursday the B.C. Prosecution Service approved one count of sexual assault against Virtanen in relation to an incident that occurred on Sept. 26, 2017, when he was playing for the Canucks.

Police launched an investigation in May 2021 after a 23-yearold woman filed a complaint.

Vancouver police spokesperson Const. Tania Visintin commended the woman for coming forward.

“Any time there is a personal crime, especially one of sexual nature, I can imagine how difficult that could be,” Visintin said. “Especially when there is a suspect that has a high profile in the community.”

Virtanen, who is not currently in custody, is scheduled to make an appearance in Vancouver provincial court on Feb. 10.

His agent, Kevin Epps, issued a statement Thursday evening that said Virtanen continued to deny the allegations of non-consensual sexual contact.

“He has filed a response to the complainant’s civil lawsuit. He has sent police a statement, denying the allegations. He took a polygraph examination and provided that report to the police,” wrote Epps. “Mr. Virtanen continues to maintain his innocence and looks forward to defending himself at trial.”

Virtanen, from Abbotsford, has been playing hockey this season for Spartak Moscow of the Russian-based KHL. The team, however, has been inactive since Jan. 10, when the league suspended its season due to COVID-19 outbreaks.