Battered Finland’s first practice includes just 11 skaters, two goalies

Finland is off to a rough start at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

The European team’s first practice on Monday included just 11 skaters and two goalies on the ice in Brossard, Que., The Athletic‘s Arpon Basu reported.

A typical practice would see at least 21 players (12 forwards, six defencemen, three goalies) hit the ice.

It was unclear which players were absent for head coach Antti Pennanen.

Finland, which opens play on Thursday in Montreal against the U.S., has already been forced to replace three defencemen, including presumed No. 1 Miro Heiskanen, from its original roster.

The most recent switch came just one day before the team’s first skate when Ottawa’s Nikolas Matinpalo subbed in for injured Flyer Rasmus Ristolainen.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Mikko Rantanen was expected to join the team despite missing his NHL club’s final contest before the break with a lower-body injury after he was struck by a puck.

Pennanen confirmed Monday that Rantanen would be available to face the Americans.

Live coverage of the entire 4 Nations tournament will be available on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.