The Burnaby Lakers will open the Western Lacrosse Association season hosting the Victoria Shamrocks on Friday.
Last season the senior A Lakers started the year dropping five of their first seven starts, which ultimately cost the team a spot in the playoffs.
That year, Burnaby finished in a three-way tie for fourth place with Nanaimo and Maple Ridge, which took the final playoff spot.
This season, Burnaby head coach Bob Johnston wants the Lakers to get the jump on the opposition.
"It will be our best starting lineup in three years," said Johnston.
The Lakers will have their 2011 No. 1 overall draft pick, Matt Beers, in the lineup Friday.
NLLers Mike Brascia and Peter McFetridge are also expected to be dressed for Friday's opener.
Rookie Justin Salt, Burnaby's second-round steal in this year's draft, is coming off a debut season in the pro league, where he scored in his very first NLL outing against the Toronto Rock.
Owen McNabb and captain Bryan Safarik, who were slowed by injuries for much of last season are also healthy and expected to start.
Burnaby's second and third overall picks in this season's draft, Jackson Decker and Casey Jackson are still away at school.
"Our focus in practice is doing more scrimmages and game playing to prepare us for this part of the season," Johnston said.
Depth is also a plus, the Lakers can hope to draw on this season.
Veteran stopper Joe Bell was acquired in the off season to back up Dan Lewis, who topped the league in saves last season.
Both have been pushed in practice by free agent walk-on Devon Winter.
Dane Stevens, hot off a 30-goal season with the Lakers last season, and Colton Clark are both returning to lead what should be a very youthful and potential potent Burnaby offence.
"We're young and we're getting better, - but I can't wait to see (Casey) Jackson and (Jackson) Decker in the lineup," Johnston added.
Game time Friday is 7 p.m. at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre.
