The Finnish men's ice hockey team, known as the Lions, convened in Milan for the first time on a Sunday, marking an important step in their preparation for international competitions. The NHL players arrived via charter flights at Milan's Malpensa Airport in the morning. The team took to the Olympic ice for their first practice session that same evening, under the guidance of coach Antti Pennanen.

During the practice at the Santa Giuliana training facility, fans and analysts got their first glimpse of the team’s line combinations. The players organized into multiple lines, which include notable players like Mikael Granlund, Roope Hintz, Mikko Rantanen, and Sebastian Aho among others. There were specific pairings noted, with Oliver Kapanen and Joel Kiviranta positioned as extra forwards, indicating potential versatility in the lineup.

The combination of experienced NHL talent and strategic coaching aims to prepare the Lions for rigorous international competition, emphasizing both individual skill and teamwork. As the team continues to practice, this early gathering in Milan serves as a foundation for building chemistry as they work towards their competitive goals on the international ice hockey stage.