Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
The Vancouver Police Department announced on Thursday afternoon that they have filed sexual assault charges against former Canucks forward Jake Virtanen.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred in Vancouver on Sept. 26, 2017, when Virtanen was playing for the Canucks, after the victim, a 23-year-old female, approached the Vancouver Police with a complaint about the assault in May of 2021, causing the department to open an investigation.
According to a statement released by the VPD, Virtanen is not in custody.
Virtanen was placed on leave by the Canucks after the allegations became public last season, and was ultimately bought out by the team during the summer, never playing for the team again.
The 25-year-old and former sixth overall pick in the 2014 draft is currently playing for the KHL’s Spartak Moscow after failing to receive an NHL offer.
Spartak Moscow has yet to comment on the charges filed against a player in their employ at this time.
