We spent the last two weeks recapping the top stories of 2012. Now, we shift our attention to the year that is instead of the year that was. Here are 13 local sports figures who could break through to play major roles in big sports stories in 2013 (in alphabetical order):1. Nick Bjugstad: He returned to the Gophers men's hockey team instead of turning pro, positioning himself as the go-to player on a team with lofty expectations. He had a modest start, but two goals in a rout of Boston College on Sunday -- which vaulted Minnesota back to No. 1 in the USCHO.com rankings -- set Bjugstad up for an important stretch of play in 2013.
2. Hannah Brandt: If you haven't heard of Brandt, you soon will. As a freshman, she is already the second-leading scorer for the undefeated Gophers women's hockey team (19 goals, 29 assists). Can she help Minnesota go undefeated all season? Play resumes Jan. 11 against North Dakota.
3. Jonas Brodin: The Wild's 2011 first-round pick is a standout defenseman who could contribute immediately when (if?) the NHL finally resumes play. He suffered a broken clavicle in early November, but given a chance to heal he could be the kind of young blue-liner the Wild sorely needs.
4. Jessie Diggins: She was a three-time state Nordic champ at Stillwater High School and has now become the new young star on a rapidly improving U.S. cross country ski team. With the Winter Olympics approaching in about a year, the U.S. could have its strongest team ever -- and Diggins could be a big part of it.
5. Gary Fasching: It's never easy replacing a legend, and Fasching knows that. The longtime St. John's assistant coach takes over for the retired John Gagliardi, the all-time winningest coach in college football history. Gags held down the St. John's position for 60 years, so it's safe to say many eyes will be on Fasching to see how his Johnnies fare.
6. Andre Hollins: We're already seeing major hints of the player Hollins can be for the Gophers men's basketball team. He exploded for 41 points against Memphis. He was terrific in Monday's Big Ten opener against Michigan State. But you get the idea the best is yet to come for the sophomore -- and how he plays will be crucial to how the No. 9-ranked Gophers fare.
7. Tyus Jones: We've known about the Apple Valley basketball phenom for years, but 2013 is an important one for Jones. Now a junior, he very likely will be making a college decision sometime in 2013. He has several suitors and has whittled his official list to eight -- including Minnesota.
8. Philip Nelson: He enters 2013 as a 19-year-old with seven career starts as a true freshman in 2012. And this makes him the QB on the roster with the most experience, with MarQueis Gray done and Max Shortell leaving the program. How well Year 3 of Jerry Kill goes could be influenced greatly by the development of Nelson.
