Former Flames prospect convicted of serious crime finds a new team

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TJ Tucker
June 6, 2024 (8:35)

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Former Calgary Flames prospect Topi Ronni, who was dropped by the team following a conviction on a serious charge, has found a new employer for the 2024-25 season

Topi Ronni, who was selected by the Calgary Flames in the second round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft (59th overall) has found a new employer after being dropped by the NHL team and his team in the Finnish Elite League after being convicted of s**ual assault.

Ronni received a one-year prison sentence back in March following an incident in 2021 that saw him charged with assault. The sentence was a suspended one, depending on whether Ronni followed all of the conditions set out by a judge. Despite that, and being dropped by two other teams, Ronni has found a home in the Slovak Extraliga with HK Dukla Michalovce.

"Of course we are aware that Topi made a mistake a few years ago for which he was punished. Our club decided to give him a helping hand and give him a second chance, which we hope he will use and prove his hockey qualities."

Dukla Michalovce made sure in its announcement to play up the fact that the Slovak Extraliga rarely gets talent drafted so high in the NHL.

"It's not every day that we get young players who were drafted by NHL clubs in the 2nd round. Topi already showed how much he wants to play for us last season when he was with his family in Michalovce during the playoffs and watched our team to find out as much information about the club as possible."

Ronni, who is 20, is a centre who played for Finland at the World Juniors in 2023. He failed to hit the scoresheet in five games at the tournament.

Source: Ilta-Sanomat
Topi Rönni found a new employer - "We are aware that Topi made a mistake"

POLL
JUIN 6 \| 172 ANSWERS Former Flames prospect convicted of serious crime finds a new team Should hockey players convicted of serious crimes be signed to professional contracts?
Yes	20	11.6 %
No	82	47.7 %
Not sure	7	4.1 %
Depends on the charge	63	36.6 %
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