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Flames Prospect Facing Serious Charge is Now Officially on Trial
Published February 29, 2024 at 12:47
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A second round draft pick of the Calgary Flames is now officially on trial in his home country on a charge relating to an alleged incident in 2021. Topi Ronni's trial began this week.
Flames Prospect on Trial in His Home Country
Ronni was a second round draft pick (59th overall) of the Flames in 2022. When his charge was first announced puclicly, the Flames released a statement saying they were not aware of it when they drafted him.
"We became aware of a potential legal issue involving Topi Ronni following our selection of him in the 2022 NHL Draft. We take this matter seriously and will let the legal process follow its due course. We have no further comment at this time."
Because Ronni was a minor at the time of the alleged incident, the trial is being held behind closed doors.
"Calgary Flames draft pick Topi Ronni's s----l assault trial has started in a Helsinki district court, according to local media reports. Rönni, 19, who played for Finland's 2023 World Juniors team in Halifax and who was Calgary's second-round draft pick in 2022, has been accused of a suspected r--e in the summer of 2021, when he was a minor. His trial is being held behind closed doors.
The Flames have said they became aware of a legal issue involving Rönni after they selected him in the 2022 NHL draft." -Rick Westhead. TSN
The Flames have said they became aware of a legal issue involving Rönni after they selected him in the 2022 NHL draft." -Rick Westhead. TSN
Calgary Draft Pick on Trial in Finland
Ronni refused to comment on the case during a break in proceedings yesterday, but had previously vowed to fight the charge, going so far as saying he's been waiting for his day in court in order for the truth to come out.
"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."
Ronni initially took a league of absence from his team in the Finnish Elite League once the charge was laid. However, he has since returned to the lineup. He is currently not eligible to represent Finland at international tournaments. His potential reinstatement will likely depend on what verdict he receives. There is no set date for the trial to end.
| POLL | ||
February 29 | 201 answers Flames Prospect Facing Serious Charge is Now Officially on Trial Should players be able to play for pro teams while on trial? | ||
| Yes | 42 | 20.9 % |
| No | 111 | 55.2 % |
| Not sure | 16 | 8 % |
| It depends on the charge | 32 | 15.9 % |
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