Former Tappara player, Flames pick Topi Rönni signs with Slovak club Michalovce

Last week, 20-year-old Finnish center Topi Rönni signed a one-year contract with Slovak club Dukla Michalovce. Two years ago, he was taken in the second round, 59th overall, by the Calgary Flames in the NHL Entry Draft. Then he represented Finland at the 2023 World Junior Championship and, as recently as February of this year, he was playing for Tappara in the Finnish Liiga.

However, in March, he was convicted of rape in a Finnish court for an incident that occurred when he was a minor. He was given a one-year suspended sentence by the court, and both the Flames and Tappara subsequently cut ties with him.

“Almost three years have passed since the incident, which have been extremely difficult. The publicity of this case was huge and affected not only me, but also my family and loved ones. Clubs were also involved. I want to apologize to everyone,” Rönni was quoted on the Tappara website on March 12, in the same article where the club announced his release.

It’s not clear right now if Rönni had other options besides Michalovce offer to play professional hockey in the 2024-25 season, but based on the club’s announcement of his signing, it appears they have been in contact for at least the past couple of months.

“Of course, we are aware that Topi made a mistake a few years ago for which he was punished,” the statement continued. “Our club decided to give him a second chance and give him a helping hand, which we believe he will use and prove his hockey qualities.”