Bill Clinton 1-0 Belfast Giants

Bill Clinton's power play has KO'd the Belfast Giants

Belfast Giants' latest reverse is at the hands of US President Bill Clinton.

The Giants' scheduled home encounter against Newcastle Jesters on Wednesday 13 December has been postponed because Belfast's new Odyssey Arena is required for the President's visit to Northern Ireland.

The President will be speaking at the venue in the afternoon which means the ice will be covered to accommodate a seated audience.

Giants managing director Bob Zeller said the decision had been taken to "do our bit for the peace process".

"We are already playing a small part by providing a team everyone in Northern Ireland can cheer for,'' added Zeller.

Those who have bought tickets for the 13 December game can obtain a refund or wait for details of the new match date.

Belfast's new Odyssey Arena

Meanwhile, the Giants bid to end a three match losing run on Friday evening (8 December) when they face Bracknell Bees at the Odyssey (7pm).

The two squads will then renew rivalry on Sunday when Bracknell have home advantage (6pm).

After a promising run in mid-November, the Giants have lost their scoring touch in recent weeks.

Top points scorer Kory Karlander has had a barren spell but he will battle to regain his form over the weekend after having a suspension overturned on appeal.

However the Giants' Canadian right winger, Shayne Toporowski, has left the club to join Espoo in Finland.

Colin Ward is out for at least a fortnight with knee ligament damage while Rod Stevens is also doubtful for the Bracknell contests.

In contrast, the Bees, coming off three successive wins, appear to be rounding into form after struggling at the start of the campaign following coach Dave Whistle's move to Belfast.

Kory Karlander has escaped suspension

Bracknell have also won their last three home games - scoring seventeen goals in the process.

Six of these have come from the stick of Bees top goal scorer Joe Cardarelli who has netted fifteen goals this season.

However, the Giants did claim an away victory at Bracknell in September on penalties after the sides drew 5-5 in normal time.

Rob Stewart was involved in all five goals on that occasion.

Giants ex-Bees defenceman, Todd Kelman, will be appearing in his 200th competitive game on Friday.

Almost 5,000 tickets have been sold for Friday's Odyssey contest.