It was another year full of sports stuff happening to keep me busy.

But hey, I’m not complaining (much). It’s been great following talented local athletes. Here are my picks for the best sports moments of the year in Squamish:

Brackendale’s Joe Eppele became the first Squamolean to win the Grey Cup and he might still be partying. Eppele and his Toronto Argonauts defeated the Calgary Stampeders 35-22 on Nov. 25 to win the 100th annual championship game. Let’s just hope Joe can swing a deal to bring the trophy to Squamish. Parade route ideas, anyone?

Another local athlete who had a big year was Squamish native Dalton Thrower. Thrower turned heads at the Top Prospects Game in Kelowna and his strong play for the Saskatoon Blades helped him get drafted by Montreal in the second round of the NHL draft this June. This year also saw Thrower become a reality TV star, appearing in Sportsnet’s “Road to the Memorial Cup” series. I suspect 2013 will continue to bring good things for him, as the Blades are hosting the Memorial Cup and if the NHL ever comes to it senses, he might just get to wear the bleu, blanc et rouge before 2014.

The Legacy Funds issue seemed to divide local sports groups for the past few years but it was this year that soccer enthusiasts got to reap some of its benefits. The brand new turf field officially opened for business in October to rave reviews and it has quickly become a gathering point for sports fans. Now if only we can have some sort of grand opening or event to celebrate its arrival… (I’m looking at you, DOS).

It wouldn’t be a sports year in Squamish without mentioning one of the town’s most dominant athletes — mountain biker Neal Kindree. He made it look easy this year, winning all of the races in the Hell of a Series (including the muddiest Test of Metal ever in June) but he also proved his greatness by winning the B.C. Bike Race event. Expect to see Kindree dominate the trails again this year and check him (and his cats) out on Twitter - @NealKindree.

This year will also be remembered as the year that Quest athletics finally broke out. The women’s soccer team capped a strong regular season by hosting the Pacwest provincial tournament and winning the bronze medal in October. The women’s basketball squad was nationally ranked earlier this year and the men’s basketball team is off to its best start ever this fall. The Kermodes might finally be finished with their growing pains.

All the best in 2013!