"Me and [former Flyer] Johnny LeClair and Randy Jones are going to stuff 200 boxes on Dec. 1 and send them over to Iraq for Ben and his platoon and anyone else over there from home," McCrossin said. "We're trying to get in touch with the other sports teams and businesses in Philly, and we want to put in stuff they can use but also things that are close to Philly."
So far, McCrossin is reaching out to Tastykake and looking for other items unique to the city. The Flyers are going to make a contribution and McCrossin is hoping the other teams will as well.
"We're trying to stuff the boxes with items that are close to home from Philly to say, 'Hey, these boxes are being packed from Philly and we're behind you 100 percent,' '' McCrossin said.
"It's not about whether you're in agreement with the war or not. It's about our sons and daughters and friends who are over there fighting for us. We're going to pack the boxes in Lower Merion, I don't know the location yet, and we're looking to get items from home and items they can use.
"They use anything from shampoo to soaps, and what they don't use they pass on to others, and the box has so much in it that they can share with the other people in their platoon."
Anyone wanting to contribute can contact McCrossin at jmccrossin@comcast-spectacor.com.
It's all in the head
That's what most of the Flyers are saying about the black Phiten Titanium necklaces and bracelets many players are wearing these days.
According to Jim McCrossin, some Flyers noticed baseball players wearing the necklaces and started asking about them.
Word is Mike Richards and Scottie Hartnell starting wearing them first; the first night Richards wore one while playing, he tallied four assists against New Jersey.
The metal is supposed to provide a boost of energy and relieve muscle pain, but when you ask, the players all point to their heads and laugh.
"Four assists, come on," Richards said when asked if he bought into the hype. But others were a little more honest.
"It's a team thing," said goalie Antero Niittymaki, who can't wear his while playing because the clasps annoy him.
"I feel like a different person," said defenseman Kimmo Timonen, laughing. "I'm wearing it because everybody else does, to be a team."
Snap shot
Riley Cote suffered an unspecified upper body injury during warmups last night and did not play. *
