We start today with bad news. 59th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Topi Ronni, has been accused of rape in an incident taking place two years ago. Here is a translated press release from his Liiga club Tappara:
Tappara SM league team player Topi Rönni is suspected of rape. The suspected crime took place more than two years ago. Rönni has told the club itself about the suspected crime."Today, I have received a summons application related to the matter. 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. I am away from the team's activities for the time being and I am focusing on handling the matter," Rönni says.
The Helsinki District Court has not yet determined the hearing date of the case and the case documents have been ordered to be kept secret. Rönni was a minor when the suspected act took place.
"We take the suspected crime seriously, but we are waiting for the court hearing and will evaluate the player's position afterwards. This is also about labor law," says Tamhockey Oy CEO Mika Aro.
Neither Tappara nor Rönni will comment further on the case at this stage.
The Flames released a statement shortly after the news broke.
The Flames have issued a statement regarding Topi Ronni. pic.twitter.com/GDKiG7Q2Xn
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) October 19, 2023
Now 19 years old, Ronni was the first pick for Calgary at the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The Flames made two other picks in that draft. The recently signed Parker Bell at #155 of the fifth round and Cade Littler at #219 of the seventh round. Former general manager Brad Treliving had traded their first, third, fourth, sixth and other picks previously acquired for players such as Tyler Toffoli, Tyler Pitlick, Calle Jarnkrok, Daniel Vladar and Nikita Zadorov.
Game Day vs. Buffalo The Flames will play game four of the season and number three of five on their ten-day Eastern Conference road trip against the 1-2-0 Buffalo Sabres. While the Flames are eight days separated from their sole win of the season, the Sabres earned their first win just two days ago in a thrilling 3-2 OT victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
A few notes, thoughts, and things to watch.
The Zach Attack It’s amazing what the long-term repercussions can be to losing or winning a few seemingly meaningless games in April. Last season concluded with Calgary finishing with 93 points. Good for 17th overall and picking 16th at the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
Finishing with 91 points was the Buffalo Sabres, who selected Zach Benson with the 13th overall pick. The 5’10… 18 year old stole a roster spot out of camp and is even leading the team in assists with two. It’s possible we see the rookie score the first NHL goal of his career tonight.
While Samuel Honzek looks to be a promising prospect, one can’t help but wonder how impactful another loss of two last season would have been for the future of the franchise.
Ruz Cruise Adam Ruzicka has officially played his way into the top six after a two point night on Monday. That performance brought him to a goal and two assists in three games. Let’s take a look at the lineup.
Calgary Flames Lineup Update at warmups. Vladar starts. Huberdeau–Lindholm–Mangiapane Ruzicka-Kadri-Dube Coleman-Backlund-Coronato Greer-Sharangovich-Duehr
Hanifin-Andersson Zadorov-Weegar Gilbert-Tanev
Vladar Markstrom
Buffalo Kid Dennis Gilbert will get another opportunity to play in front of his hometown. The last time the Flames visited Buffalo, Gilbert potted a goal through traffic. Here’s hoping he gets another tonight.
Getting Starts 26 year old Daniel Vladar gets the nod tonight. While 1A Jacob Markstrom has played well, the lanky Czech needs reps. The 6’5… netminder has an opportunity to steal a game and, potentially the #1 role if he continues winning.
Buffalo Sabres Lineup Courtesy of Lance Lysowski. @LLysowski Skinner-Thompson-Tuch Peterka-Cozens-Krebs Greenway-Mittelstadt-Benson Girgensons-Jost-Okposo
Dahlin-Samuelsson Power-Jokiharju Clifton-Johnson
Samuelsson
Game time is 5:00 pm MST.
Trevor Neufeld
@Trevor_Neufeld
Stats via ESPN and eliteprospects.com