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Jan 27, 2022 8:26 PM - The Canadian Press

Former Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen charged with sexual assault

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Former Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen has been charged with sexual assault following a police investigation. (Photo - Jake Virtanen/Twitter)

Former Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen has been charged with sexual assault following a police investigation.

Vancouver police said Thursday the B.C. Prosecution Service approved one count of sexual assault against Virtanen, 25, in relation to an incident that occurred on Sept. 26, 2017, when Virtanen was playing for the Canucks.

Police launched an investigation in May 2021 after a 23-year-old woman filed a complaint.

Police say Virtanen, who is playing in the Russian-based KHL this season with Spartak Moscow, is not currently in custody.

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.

The native of Abbotsford, B.C., was placed on leave in May 2021 by the Canucks after the allegations came to light, and had his contract bought out the following month.

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