Former Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen charged with sexual assault

The Vancouver Police Department says Jake Virtanen, a former Vancouver Canucks forward, has been charged with one count of sexual assault following an investigation.

The departmentsays the B.C. Prosecution Service approved the charge following an investigation into an incident that occurred in Vancouver on Sept.26, 2017.

Virtanen, 25,was playing for the Vancouver Canucksat the time.

On May 1, 2021, the team placed Virtanen on leave following allegations ofsexual misconduct. In July, itbought him out of his contract.

Const.Tania Visintin says the investigation was launched that same month after the complainant, who is now 23, came forward to the police.

"This is obviously a very sensitive case," she said, adding she won't able to release details related to the investigation.

The Canuckssay they have been in contact with the police throughout their investigation and will continue to provide support.

"Our organization is committed to fostering a safe and welcoming environment and will not tolerate sexual misconduct of any kind," the team said in a statement.

Virtanen grew up in B.C.'s Fraser Valley andwas drafted by the Canucks in 2014. In October 2020, the team signed him to a two-year extension worth $5.1 million US.

Virtanenis currently playing inRussia for Spartak Moscow in theKontinental Hockey League.

Visintin says Virtanen is not in custody andthe Crown counsel is in contact with Virtanen's lawyer todiscuss how Virtanen will be brought to court in B.C.

Virtanen's agent says hedenies the allegation.

"Mr. Virtanen continues to maintain his innocence and looks forward to defending himself at trial," Kevin Eppsaid in a statement.

"Until such time, we do not intend to make any further public statements."