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Drexel's Pyne a net asset

DREXEL JUNIOR DAN PYNE leaves Monday for Erzurum, Turkey, where he'll take part in the Winter World University Games as a member of the U.S. men's national ice hockey team.

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DREXEL JUNIOR DAN PYNE leaves Monday for Erzurum, Turkey, where he'll take part in the Winter World University Games as a member of the U.S. men's national ice hockey team.

Turkey? Might he bump into another athlete with Philadelphia ties? A guy who plays basketball named Allen Iverson?

"I thought about that, but I had enough of him when he was in Philly," Pyne said with a laugh last night.

The 21-year-old goalie is a dual marketing/entrepreneur major. Three years ago he helped lead La Salle High to the state title.

Pyne said he has traveled to Canada to play hockey, but has never been overseas.

"I'm incredibly excited," he said. "I'm thrilled to be going over there and putting on that jersey to represent my country."

According to Pyne, the United States hasn't fared well in the biannual event.

"I think the highest we ever finished was sixth, and that was 2 years ago," he said. "But this year, everyone on the team thinks we can at least make it to the medal round."

Pyne will have some fans at the Games, which run from Jan. 27 to Feb. 6. His parents, Robert and Kathy, and his younger sister, Ashley, will be in Turkey to cheer him on. "I think it's great that they're coming to support me," he said.

Yo, Canada, cheer for the Flyers or else

When the Flyers host Toronto on March 3, there might be a couple more Leafs fans than usual in the Wells Fargo Center.

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation is running a contest in which two Toronto residents will win a 2-night stay in Philly that includes: Round-trip airline tickets, deluxe accommodations in a downtown hotel, a tour of the Wells Fargo Center, a Zamboni ride, dinner, and tickets to the game.

Now take a deep breath before you get bent out of shape about enemy fans coming to Philly.

The GPTMC told Broadstreethockey.com that anyone can enter the Ultimate Flyers VIP Sports Experience Contest at visitphilly.com/hockey. However, the agency is "primarily targeting our contest to Flyers fans living in Ontario."

- Tom Mahon

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