Anneke Rankila was one of the final players to make the Toronto Sceptres' lineup. Now she's ready to prove she can do more than just make the team.

The Toronto Sceptres have a handful of new faces on their roster, all of which are battling for a consistent roster spot.

While forward Anneke Rankila, the latest signing to the team is not going to be on the Sceptres’ opening night roster, she is still “super excited” to be there for the team.

“It’s an honour. I have no other words,” says Rankila.

Rankila was selected in the sixth round of the 2024 draft by the Sceptres. She is coming to North America after spending the 2023-24 season with Djurgårdens IF of the Swedish Women’s Hockey League (SDHL), notching 31 points across 36 games, 14 of which were goals.

She also played for the University of Minnesota-Duluth in the NCAA from 2017-2023, tallying 68 goals and 89 assists during that time.

One aspect of playing in Stockholm that helped prepare Rankila for the PWHL is the presence of physicality.

“I think playing in Sweden helped a lot,” said Rankila. “Physically, they were able to bodycheck there, so it’s not only about being able to give checks, but being aware of your surroundings and being ready for a big hit.”

The PWHL is seeing a growing number of European players join the league, which was originally primarily Canadian and American players. The league also has a growing number of North American players who were in Europe, like Rankila, looking to return.

“I think it’s really cool, it’s super awesome just to see the courage it takes to go so far away from home and play here with some of the best players,” said Rankila.

She also acknowledges the diversity that every player brings to the rink, whether it’s from one’s upbringing or their training.

“It’s really fun to learn because everyone has a different path and has learned from different coaches, and so bringing that all into one place is really cool,” she said.

Adjusting to life in the city, Rankila is already seeing a difference, who was born in Lino Lakes in Minnesota.

“I come from a very, very small… I would say a town compared to this [Toronto,] but almost like a village,” said Rankila.

One difference she has noticed is the typical Toronto commute.

“Driving here is a bit different,” she laughed.

Looking at her own individual play, Rankila is looking to hone in on her skills in order to stick with the Sceptres roster.

“I think the biggest thing for me right now is just being more confident in this league,” said Rankila. “I think it’s a lot faster than what I’m used to playing, and so my biggest goal is just to be confident in the skills that I have and be able to display them on the ice under pressure.”

Head coach Troy Ryan is also working toward Rankila growing her confidence in the PWHL.

“She competes hard, she works hard, and I think good things are going to be in her future, but I think it’s just about getting a little bit of experience right now so she can get going,” said Ryan.

Until she dons a Sceptres jersey for her official PWHL debut, Rankila remains grateful for the opportunity.

“It’s so incredible to be surrounded by so many incredible players with so much experience under their belt and to learn from them and the coaching staff, it’s such a blessing,” said Rankila.