Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen on leave after allegations of sexual misconduct arise

Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen is away from the team as they investigate allegations of sexual misconduct levied against the player.

The allegations were levied by an unidentified woman who spoke exclusively to Glacier Media saying the incident occurred in Sept. 2017.

“I couldn’t believe that I said no and he didn’t take that for an answer,” said the woman, who Glacier Media agreed not to identify over fear of public backlash. “I felt violated and gross and wanted to leave.”

The woman, Glacier Media says, has contacted police. No charges have been laid and the allegations have not been proven in court.

In a statement, the Vancouver Canucks say they placed Virtanen on leave from the said.

“We have become aware of the concerning allegations made about one of our players. Our organization does not accept sexual misconduct of any kind and the claims as reported are being treated very seriously by us,” the organization said. “We have engaged external expertise to assist in an independent investigation and we have placed the player on leave as we await more information.”

The Canucks skated Saturday morning at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, and Virtanen was not on the ice.