HOLDERS London Knights could not retain their Continental up in Oslo last weekend, but they left the ice to cheering and praise from fans and opponents alike.

The Knights had to travel without Trevor Roenick, who underwent exploratory surgery on a knee injury.

Knights had only 17 players available and in their first game against Finnish side Jukurit on Friday, they lost 5-2 when Ritchie Bronilla and Moe Mansi netted for the Londoners.

On Saturday, the Knights defeated French side Anglet 5-3. but they suffered two more setbacks with injuries to Rich Bronilla and Mike Barrie for Sunday's game against hosts Valerenga, who needed a five-goal win to reach the final.

The Knights had only 13 fit men and despite having nothing to play for but pride, showed it in abubdace.

Valerenga went three-up before Sean Blanchard and Kim Ahlroos pulled two back. The hosts went 4-2 up and withdrew their netminder but Vezio Sacratini and Paul Rushforth scored into empty goals to earn a 4-4 draw.

November 27, 2001 12:24