London and Nottingham battle in front of empty seats

If further evidence were needed of ice hockey's lowly place in Britain's sporting hierarchy, take a look at recent attendance figures.

Across the Atlantic, 17,784 fans watched the Rangers' last home game.

At London's recent clash with the Nottingham Panthers, the figure was less than 2,500.

There could be a lot of empty seats in the proposed 20,000 seat arena on the banks of the River Thames.

However, if anyone can push ice hockey into the sporting mainstream in the UK, it is Philip Anschutz.

The reclusive magnate from Denver - dubbed "the richest American you've never heard of" by Fortune magazine - has a reputation for sinking money into failing businesses and turning them around.

As well as extensive sporting interests in the United States, his Anschutz Entertainment Group has expanded aggressively in Europe in recent years.

Alongside the Knights, its portfolio also includes Germany's Munich Barons and Berlin Ice Bears, Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic and the Swiss side, Geneva Eagles.

Anschutz also has a 25% stake in Djurgardens of Sweden.

Geneva Eagles, who are currently six points clear at the top of the Swiss "B" league, have been accused of buying their way to success.

Whether the criticism is fair or not, what the Eagles do prove is that Anschutz is not afraid to open his wallet when he thinks there is a long-term profit on the horizon.

Anschutz owns the Staples Center - home of the LA Lakers

A move to a well-known location such as the Dome will undoubtedly have an immense boost to Knights' profile - and ice hockey in general.

The site's position, just 15 minutes from central London, will make getting to a Knights game much easier.

But the estate agents' mantra of "location, location, location" is not the sole guarantee of future success.

Of equal, if not greater importance, is a growing and forward-looking Superleague with committed sponsors and a long-term TV deal, something that is sadly lacking at the moment.

Such is Anschutz's growing importance within the sport that he could, in theory, run a successful European league made up solely of his own clubs.

While the Knights' departure for north Greenwich is a cause for celebration, it is important to remember that their owner is, first and foremost, a businessman.

It seems inconceivable that he will continue to pump money into the Knights indefinitely, unless they return the favour by helping swell his bank balance still further.