Topi Ronni, 19, back with Tappara Tampere with a March court date scheduled for incident more than two years ago
Calgary Flames prospect Top Ronni has returned to his club team in Finland.
Ronni, is facing criminal charges of rape for an incident more than two years ago. The District Court of Helsinki will reportedly deal with his indictment March 12, 2024.
Ronni, Calgary’s second-round draft pick (59th overall) in 2022, has been playing for Tappara Tampere of the SM-ligga, and stepped away from the club on Oct. 19.
The team announced he has returned, and the head coach will decide whether he is to play.
Club CEO Mika Aro said in a press release (translated via Google): “It is good to remember that in Finland the judiciary has the power to judge and the presumption of innocence is an essential part of both human rights and Finnish legal principles. We now let the judiciary do its work in peace.”
In a previous release, Ronni said: “The last two or so years have been hard waiting for the matter to progress. I trust that the related course of events will be clarified in connection with the trial. I am away from the team's activities for the time being and I am focusing on handling the matter.”
The Flames became aware of the incident and legal ramifications after drafting Ronni. He has not been signed to an NHL contract.
Ronni, 19, was a minor at the time of the incident. He collected one goal and one assist in 12 games this season, and was expected to be on Finland’s squad for the world juniors.
Aro added in the statement released on Monday: “We expect from all our employees the kind of good behavior that is generally associated with sports and athletes. However, from the point of view of labor legislation, the situation is clear: suspicion of a crime is not a reason for terminating an employment relationship or moving an employee aside. We take the suspected crime seriously, but we are waiting for the court hearing and will assess the player's status only after that. The association is an employer and operates in accordance with labor legislation.”