2013 is shaping up to be a huge year for the RailHawks and the entire NASL. The RailHawks announced on Wednesday that they have exercised options on 12 players for the 2013 NASL season.

The 12 players are defenders Austen King and Justin Willis; midfielders Austin da Luz, Floyd Franks, Breiner Ortiz, Tiyiselani Shipalane, Nick Zimmerman, Nick Millington and Jake Beckford; and forwards Brian Ackley, Brian Shriver and Zack Schilawski.

The league also had a big announcement during the week, naming Bill Peterson as the Commissioner of the NASL. A veteran sports executive, Peterson has plenty of experience with MLS in addition to other domestic and international governing bodies, leagues and teams.

Inside Minnesota sat down with Commissioner Peterson for an in depth interview.

Many other teams also exercised options in the last week for the 2013 season.

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers retained Walter Restrepo, Matt Glaeser, Scott Gordon and Hosman Ramos.

Meanwhile, FC Edmonton not only signed two NASL veterans in Lance Laing and Neil Hlavaty, they also named their new head coach.

Former Vancouver Whitecaps assistant coach Colin Miller was announced as the Head Coach on Tuesday and was immediately thrown into his role as the Eddies started their 2012 Winter Combine the next day.

In Minnesota, 13 player options were exercised for the 2013 season, six of whom started in the 2012 NASL Championship Series for the Stars. 

And in Tampa, three players have signed new multi-year contracts with the Rowdies and others have had player options exercised. The Rowdies’ roster for 2013 is already at 12 players with more announcements coming soon.

While there is a lot of offseason movement going on in the NASL, MLS is just ending their season with the MLS Cup on Saturday. LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo will be playing for the MLS Champion title at 4:30pm. The RailHawks will be hosting their Holiday Party in conjunction with the match.

To receive an invitation to the Holiday Party and game-worn jersey auction, call 919-459-8144.