Trial Begins for Flames' Prospect Facing Serious Charge

The trial has begun for a Calgary Flames prospect facing a very serious charge in his home country. Topi Ronni, drafted in the second round (59th) overall by the Flames in 2022, is charged with assaulting a woman in Helsinki in 2021. Ronni, who is 19 now, was a minor at the time.

According to reports, the entire trial will be heard behind closed doors with no media allowed in the court room. Ronni would not comment on how the trial is going during a break in the proceedings yesterday, but had earlier vowed to fight the charge, saying he was innocent.


Calgary had previously released a statement saying they were not aware of the charge against Ronni until after he was drafted.




While a leave of absence was taken. Ronni has returned to playing for Tappara Tampere of the Finnish Elite League. However, he has been banned from representing Finland on the international stage at least until his trial ends. Whether he can return will likely depend on the outcome.

There is no word on how long the trial will take.