Calgary Flames prospect Topi Rönni sentenced for rape charges, has contract with Finnish team terminated, Flames renounce rights

Calgary Flames prospect Topi Rönni has been handed a one-year suspended sentence in Helsinki court, Finnish news outlet Yle reported Tuesday.

Rönni, 19, was charged in October on allegations of a rape that occurred two years ago at a graduation party while he and his victim, were minors, Yle added.

“According to the district court, Rönni and the victim had spent the evening together at the school’s graduation party, for which the party space had been reserved,” Yle reported, adding the judgement is non-binding. “Rönni and the victim did not know each other from before.”

Initially suspended by his Finnish team, Tappara, Rönni returned to play for them in late November. As a result of the sentencing, the club announced they terminated Rönni’s contract.

In a statement via the team, Rönni apologized to “all those involved.”

“Almost three years have passed since the incident and this time has been extremely difficult for everyone involved,” Rönni’s statement read, via Google Translate. “The publicity surrounding the case has felt overwhelming and has touched not only myself but also my family and loved ones.

“Involuntarily, the matter has also been connected to the Tappara community, as well as the Calgary Flames, who booked me, and many others. I want to apologize for this to all those involved.”

Drafted by the Flames in the second round of the 2022 draft, 59th overall, the club said in an October statement they learned of “a potential legal issue” following their selection of him. He remains unsigned by the Flames but the club holds his rights through June 1st, 2026. His contract with Tappara was set to run through the conclusion of this season.

He represented Finland at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, appearing in five games and scoring no points. Rönni appeared in 22 Liiga games this season, scoring one goal and two points, and he added 10 goals and 32 points in 20 u20 games.

Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@thenationnetwork.com.