VANCOUVER - Former Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen has been charged with sexual assault following an investigation by authorities. 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-year-old woman filed a complaint. His agent, Kevin Epps, issued a statement Thursday evening that said Virtanen continued to deny the allegations of non-consensual sexual contact. Selected sixth overall by the Canucks at the 2014 NHL draft, Virtanen registered 55 goals and 100 points in 317 regular-season games with Vancouver.

Source: The Star January 27, 2022 21:01 UTC