Calgary Flames draft pick Topi Ronni is under investigation in his native Finland after being accused of rape.
Ronni's Finnish Elite League team Tappara Tampere said on its website that Ronni informed the club of the investigation and stepped away from team activities.
The alleged incident occurred two years ago, when Ronni was a minor.
Ronni, 19, said in a statement on the team website that he received a court summons regarding the allegation on Thursday. The allegations have not been proven.
Additionally, in a statement translated from Finnish, 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.”
Details of the alleged rape are unknown because the case documents are sealed, and a court hearing date has not been scheduled.
The Flames said in a statement that they became aware of a legal issue involving Ronni after they selected him in the second round, 59th overall, at the 2022 NHL draft.
The NHL club said it will "let the legal process follow its due course" and will not comment further.
Ronni, a centre, has a goal and an assist in 12 games with Tampere this season.
He appeared in five games for Finland at the 2023 world junior championship in Halifax and Moncton, N.B.
— With files from The Associated Press
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2023.
The Canadian Press
