Pyorala Assigned to Phantoms

Flyers forward Mika Pyorala will not be joining the Flyers this afternoon when they leave Philadelphia for a three-game trip that begins in Western Canada.

Pyorala, who was a healthy scratch in today's game against the Islanders for the 17th time in 19 games, will be re-assigned to Adirondack (AHL) to sharpen his skills and get more playing time.

Pyorala's last game was Jan. 14 in Toronto, when he filled in for late scratch Scott Hartnell just prior to warmups. The Oulu, Finland, native played 36 consecutive games to start the season before his first scratch on Dec. 21. The defensively responsible, third line forward has two goals and two assists for four points.

Barring an injury to one of the Flyers' other forwards, Pyorala will likely remain on the Phantoms for the duration of the Olympic break when rosters are frozen (Feb. 15 to 23).

Pyorala, 28, is in his 9th professional season but his first in North America. His $500,000 salary will come off the Flyers' cap hit. His AHL salary is $105,000.

The Flyers will fly to Calgary after today's home game against the New York Islanders. They will face the Flames on Monday before traveling to Edmonton and Minnesota; they return home early on Super Bowl Sunday.

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