Knights: We want McSorley to stay by

Paul McFielder13 April 2012

London Knights today pledged to do everything in their power to keep Chris McSorley as their head coach.

The Great Britain coach, whose contract with the Knights runs out in April, enhanced his reputation in the Continental Cup Finals in Zurich last weekend when they achieved the best-ever results by a British team in Europe.

McSorley's men were pipped 1-0 by Zurich Lions, but they then hit back with a 5-2 hammering of Slovakian champions Bratislava and a 4-1 victory over Munich Barons.

This is the first time that a British side has reached the final stage of a European cup competition, let alone returned home with a silver medal.

McSorley has since received two offers to coach in the Swiss league next season, but Knights' chief executive officer Brian Jokat said today: "Chris is content to stay in London. Before he went to Zurich I made a commitment to him that we would speak upon his return about where we go in the next season or two. We'll come up with an amicable situation to maintain him working here."

International Ice Hockey Federation officials were also thoroughly impressed with McSorley's coaching abilities and the performance of the Knights team, especially after he sent out his side to play a different style to those that he employs in the Superleague.

Frederick Meredith is legal chairman and executive board member of the IIHF and a former chairman of the British Ice Hockey Association. He said: "Chris has demonstrated very quickly that he is capable of adjusting his tactics without losing the essential characteristics of a British team."

Essex fans will get a chance to see Knights tonight, for they face Chelmsford Chieftains in a one-off challenge match at Chelmsford's Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre. Former professional players McSorley and Jokat are putting their skates back on for the Knights.

Also tonight, the Knights are featured in a new weekly television show - UK Ice Hockey (Channel 4, 11.55pm).

Meanwhile, the dates for their Challenge Cup semi-final have been confirmed. They will visit Ayr Scottish Eagles on Tuesday 6 February with the return leg at the London Arena a week later.

The winners will face either Belfast Giants or Sheffield in the final.

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