Sun Feb 02 18:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Jokiharju and Vaakanainen Called Up to Finnish National Team

**Helsinki, Finland** – Finland’s national ice hockey team has announced two key additions to its roster for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. Henri Jokiharju (Buffalo Sabres) and Urho Vaakanainen (New York Rangers) will replace injured defensemen Miro Heiskanen and Jani Hakanpää.

Heiskanen, considered Finland’s top defenseman, suffered a lower-body injury during a game against Vegas and is listed as week-to-week. Hakanpää has been sidelined since mid-November with a lower-body injury, playing only two games for Toronto this season. With limited NHL-playing Finnish defensemen available, Jokiharju and Vaakanainen emerged as the most experienced replacements.

“It’s great to have Henri and Urho on board,” said Finnish coach Antti Pennanen. “Both are very motivated and looking forward to the tournament.”

Team captain Aleksander Barkov expressed his disappointment over Heiskanen’s absence, highlighting his importance to the team’s success. “He’s that type of player that any team in the world would love to have,” Barkov said.

Finland opens the 4 Nations Face-Off on February 13th against the United States, followed by games against Sweden on February 15th and Canada on February 17th. The tournament also faces injury concerns for other participating nations, with Sweden awaiting the return of Hampus Lindholm and Canada needing a replacement for Alex Pietrangelo.

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