Whether it flew by or dragged on for you, 2011 is about to be officially put in the books this weekend.

So to put a cap on one of the more atypical Alouettes' seasons in recent memory, I thought I'd offer a few of my choices for the most memorable moments of the year.

Most Exciting Game

The Als certainly saved their best for last in terms of heart-stoppers this season. That overtime thriller in the East Semi-final against the Hamilton Ticats was a real roller coaster ride to watch. Montreal's defence got the team in a bit of a hole giving up big plays in the first half. Then Anthony Cavillo and the Als' offence came back like the champs they are in the second half to send the game into overtime. Montreal came up short of expectation in the game, for sure. But at least they went down swinging.

Most Unexpected Performance

It would be very easy to pick the 43-1 abomination out in B.C. to end the season, but I have to go back a few more weeks for the game that really shocked me. With the division title and a playoff bye right in front of them, not to mention a banged up Blue Bombers team on the other sideline, I really thought the Als would bury Winnipeg in week 17. Instead, the secondary decided to play like pylons against the Bombers' receivers, and the o-line did their best turnstyle impersonation giving up six sacks and countless pressures. More than any other, that loss in late October sealed the Als' playoff fate.

Personnel Move of the Year

The Als' decision to let Avon Cobourne skate off to Hamilton in free agency may have sent some shock waves through the fan base, but it really paid off on the field with the performance of Brandon Whitaker. Montreal's offence didn't miss a beat with Whitaker in the backfield. In fact, I'd say it was even more dangerous. Credit Jim Popp for knowing (for the umpteenth time) which cards to hold in his hand and which to throw back on the pile.

Honorable Mention for Personnel Move of the Year

As big a fan of Damon Duval as I've been over the years, it was time for a change in Montreal. The choice to ride with Sean Whyte instead of veteran Sandro DeAngelis was another gamble that paid off for the Als. Whyte was money on field goals, and as hard as we all were on his short kickoffs and punts, they rarely came back to haunt the team.

The Hall-of-Fame-Can-Wait Award

I wish I had a dollar for every time I've heard a pundit say it was time for Anwar Stewart to hang up his cleats. That call was doubly loud heading into 2011, and I'd say it (more than his performance on the field) contributed to Stewie's lack of snaps in the d-line rotation. Once he found his way to the field, though, Stewart was every bit as effective as he's been since winning the CFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2004. I'd put his sack (7) and tackle (37) totals against those of any right end in the league, regardless of age. Keep lacing those cleats, Stewie. Your spot in the Hall of Fame can definitely wait.

Best Mid-Year Addition

It's hard to argue against Moton Hopkins in this spot. When he entered the Als' d-line rotation in August, Hopkins came in with a bang registering two tackles and two sacks in his first appearance. More than anything, Hopkins added power and aggression to the interior of the Als' defensive line right when they needed it.

Clutch Performer Par Excellence

As much as Anthony Calvillo's a permanent write-in here, I've got to go with Jamel Richardson this season. Defences knew the ball was going to J-Rich most downs, and they couldn't do a thing to stop him. He ended the season with 112 grabs for 1777 yards and 11 TDs. If those aren't clutch numbers, I don't know what is.

Most Lingering Controversy

Hands down, the decision to sit defensive end Jermaine McElveen as a healthy scratch down the stretch run of the season has to be the head-scratcher of the year for me. To shelve McElveen at a point in the season when pass rush was at a premium for the Als made, and still makes, zero sense. Beyond the effect that call had on-field, it'll have echoes in free agency this off-season as well. I'll be shocked if McElveen sticks around after the way his season unfolded in Montreal in 2011.

Best Off-Season News, So Far

The loss of coaches Scott Milanovich and Jonathan Himebauch to Toronto came as quite a blow after Grey Cup, but the news that Marcus Brady decided to spurn their offer to join the Argos' staff and remain in Montreal as offensive coordinator definitely salved the shock a bit. Brady brings continuity and first-hand knowledge of executing the offence to the table. Those are two qualities the Als' offence is going to need in spades in a suddenly competitive East Division.

Up next

Ready to hit the ground running in 2012, I'll be back next week with a list of my Bedell's Blitz New Year's resolutions.

Until then, take care. And please be safe putting your own years to rest this weekend.