Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen on leave following sexual misconduct allegations
Posted May 1, 2021 11:37 am.
Last Updated May 1, 2021 8:15 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen has been placed on leave following allegations of sexual misconduct.
The team confirmed Saturday that the 24-year-old will remain on leave as an independent investigation is launched.
“Our organization does not accept sexual misconduct of any kind and the claims as reported are being treated very seriously by us,” a statement from the team reads.
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) May 1, 2021
An Instagram account dedicated to sharing stories of sexual assault posted allegations from a woman who claims Virtanen sexually assaulted her in a Vancouver hotel in 2017 when she was 18.
External expertise will also be brought in to help with the independent investigations.
Vancouver Police have yet to confirm if they are investigating the matter, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
An NHL spokesperson said Saturday that the league is aware of the serious allegations and will not comment until the results of the independent investigation are complete.
Neither Virtanen nor his representatives could immediately be reached for comment on the allegations.
Coach Travis Green declined to comment on the situation ahead of the Canucks game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.
“We met with the team this morning, did our pre-scout, had a morning skate. And we’ll be ready to go tonight,” he said.
Green declined to say when he was made aware of the allegations, or whether Virtanen was still with the team in Toronto.
Virtanen, 24, was drafted sixth overall by Vancouver in 2014. He has five goals in 28 games with the Canucks this season.
The native of Langley, B.C., signed a two-year, $5.1-million extension with Vancouver in October.
