The Raiders, Brumbies, Capitals, and formerly the Cannons overshadowed a team that represents Canberra in the countries national ice hockey league, the AIHL.

But player-coach Stuart Philps said the lack of exposure had done nothing to deter loyal fans who packed the Phillip ice skating rink every home game.

''We have the best fans in the league by far,'' he said after a 4-2 home win over the Central Coast Rhinos. ''We get around 1000 to 1500 every game, often there is only standing room in the arena.''

Despite the 'underground' support, Philps believes that with better exposure, the game would gain a much greater following in the eyes of the local community.

''It's a great game. When I first saw it I thought it was a stupid sport, but now I can't live without it,'' he said.

''Our league is growing every year, the imports we are attracting these days are just unbelievable.''

Philps was referring to a number of Finnish imports who have bolstered the Knights roster, and even had a hand in some of the goals scored in the Knights come-from-behind victory on Saturday night.

''The imports are having a great impact in sharing their knowledge with other players, but also to our junior players.''

Philps said the interest from overseas in the AIHL would benefit the Knights, with greater talent arriving in the next few years.

Even with the broadening horizon for the sport, the Canberra Knights will require a miracle to reach the finals this year. The club has to win its remaining four games, and rely on teams above them losing to claim the fourth and final playoff spot.

With the hard road ahead, Philps was happy to come away with the win after a poor start to the game.

''We were down at one stage, 2-1 in the second period. We came back strong, we got a bit more focussed, and more determined in our skating.''

The Knights wrap up their season with two away games and two more homes games on August 16 and 23.