A broken down Zamboni prevented the Northwest Giants from taking over sole possession of first place in the B.C. major midget hockey league last weekend.
The ice-cleaning machine at the Burnaby Winter Club stalled on the ice between periods with the Giants leading the South Island Thunderbirds 3-0, forcing the cancellation of the final two periods of Sunday's game. The second and third periods will be made up on Jan. 6.
The Giants were looking to add to their 4-0 victory over the 10th-place Thunderbirds on Saturday. A win would have given the defending three-time playoff champions a twopoint lead over the Cariboo Cougars.
The two teams are currently tied atop the 11-team loop, both with 31 points.
On Saturday, Burnaby's Adam Helewka figured in four of the Giants' goals, including his second hat trick in the last two weeks.
Helewka scored backto-back goals in the opening period and then set up defenceman Joseph Carvalho for his second of the year to start off the middle frame.
Later in the second period, Helewka potted his 16th goal of the year on assists from Eric Margo and a third helper in the game from Josh Thrower.
Helewka has been a Giant on a tear in the last month, garnering a total of 17 points in his last nine games, including 11 goals.
The Burnaby forward leads the Giants in overall scoring with 27 points and is tied in total goals with Mitch Crisanti.
"He (Helewka) has been trying to find his way after coming back from Notre Dame. He has the skill set," said Giants' head coach Todd Harkins. "He's making a name for himself, which is nice."
Helewka is currently tied for 12th in league scoring.
The Giants close out the first half of the major midget season in Prince George with a two-game set against the Cougars.
"It's a battle for first place. We're looking forward to the trip and going into the break in first place," Harkins said.
