LYNDEN

LIONS

Coach: Drew Smiley

Last year: Finished fifth in the Class 2A Northwest Conference standings with a record of 7-5-1. ... Did not qualify for postseason and ended season 9-6-1 overall.

Players to watch: Arturo Torres (sr., F); Isaac Bogart (sr., D/M); Logan Smith (sr., M); Peter Jernberg (sr., D/M); Hector Gutierrez (so., GK)

Outlook: Three points separated the Lions from celebrating a postseason berth and stowing away their cleats early last year. Lynden looks to have the pieces in place this season to earn a district berth and possibly make a run in the state tournament. Matches aren't played on paper, however, but Coach Smiley's group is well-balanced and has talent on all three lines. Arturo Torres and Logan Smith, Lynden's top two returning goal scorers, headline the Lions' attack. Isaac Bogart and Peter Jernberg are two senior defensemen who have a wealth of experience, and 6-foot-4 sophomore keeper Hector Gutierrez returns in goal following a successful freshman campaign. "A lot of the seniors were on the state title team, so they know how to get back," Smiley said in a phone interview. "It should be a good year. I expect us to do well as long as we stay healthy." Facing Sehome, Squalicum, Bellingham, Lynden Christian and Burlington-Edison in five of the Lions' first eight matches, Smiley said it will be key for Lynden to start its season fast.

2013 ROSTER

No. Player Yr. Pos.

1 Hector Gutierrez So. GK

2 Arturo Torres Sr. F

3 Carson Sandland Jr. M

5 Isaac Bogart Sr. D/M

6 Logan Smith Sr. M

7 Peter Jernberg Sr. D/M

8 Gerado Quiroz Fr. M

9 Alejandro Huante So. M

10 Jordan Hernandez Sr. M

11 Alex Guenther Jr. F

12 Jose Gutierrez Sr. D

14 Christian Pash So. D

15 Per Wolfisberg Fr. GK/D

17 Daniel Hicks So. D

21 Gianluca Calzavara Jr. M/F

2013 SCHEDULE

March 11 at Sehome (Civic) 7:30 p.m.

March 12 Lynden Christian (Bender) 4 p.m.

March 15 Lakewood (Bender) 4 p.m.

March 16 Friday Harbor (Bender) noon

March 18 Meridian (Bender)* 4 p.m.

March 18 Bellingham (Bender)* 3:30 p.m.

March 22 at Squalicum (Civic)* 7:30 p.m.

March 26 Burlington-Edison* 5:30 p.m.

March 28 at Anacortes* 6 p.m.

April 9 Nooksack Valley (Bender)* 3:30 p.m.

April 11 at Mount Baker* 4:30 p.m.

April 17 at Lynden Christian (Bender)* 4:30 p.m.

April 19 Sehome (Bender)* 4 p.m.

April 23 Blaine (Bender)* 5:30 p.m.

April 25 at Ferndale* 4 p.m.

April 29 at Sedro-Woolley* 6 p.m.

*NWC game

Reach ANDREW LANG at andrew.lang@bellinghamherald.com or call ext. 862.