After 14 seasons covering the Calgary Flames, Wes Gilbertson is stepping away from the sports media world - and he’s doing it on his own terms.
The longtime Flames beat reporter announced Thursday that he’s leaving his roles at both Postmedia and Sportsnet 960. For over a decade, Gilbertson has been a fixture in Calgary hockey coverage - a trusted voice in the locker room, in the press box, and on the airwaves. His departure marks the end of an era for fans who’ve followed his work through the highs and lows of Flames hockey.
Gilbertson, 42, confirmed the news on X, where he shared a message that was equal parts gratitude and reflection.
“Last night, I covered my final Flames game for Postmedia. Today will be my last show on Sportsnet 960,” he wrote.
“A few features to come, but that’s a wrap on 14 seasons on the Flames beat. I’m proud of the work I’ve done.
I’m also proud to leave sports media on my own terms.”
That last line hits especially hard in today’s media landscape, where layoffs have become an all-too-common headline. Gilbertson made it clear this wasn’t a case of being forced out - this was his decision, and he’s walking away with his head high and legacy intact.
Along with his writing, Gilbertson was a familiar voice on Flames Talk on Sportsnet 960, where his insight, storytelling, and calm, informed demeanor helped fans make sense of everything from trade rumors to coaching changes to playoff pushes. He wasn’t just reporting on the team - he was part of the daily rhythm of Calgary hockey.
In his farewell message, Gilbertson thanked the fans who followed his work, listened to his segments, and supported his journey from a kid with a dream to a respected NHL beat reporter.
“Most of all, a huge thanks to everyone who read, listened and followed my coverage,” he wrote. “As a kid, I wanted to be a hockey reporter.
Not everybody gets to work their dream job, but I did. It was a blast, and I’ll always be grateful for it.”
That gratitude was echoed across the hockey world. The replies to his announcement were filled with warm wishes from fellow journalists, many of whom worked alongside him in rinks across North America.
“Proud to be your friend, colleague and fellow breakfast baller who has long admired your work ethic, your storytelling and your generous gimmes,” wrote Sportsnet’s Eric Francis. “Sad for journalism and the fact we won’t see you every day, but happy you are moving on to a healthier business than ours. Congrats.”
Others chimed in with similar sentiments:
“Wes, all the best in your next adventure! Always enjoyed being in your orbit, you are a class act and a really well-respected reporter,” wrote Frank Seravalli.
“Congrats Wes! On to bigger and better things,” added TSN’s Jermain Franklin.
“I always thought well of you and your work,” wrote Seth Rorabaugh.
While Gilbertson hasn’t yet revealed what’s next, the important part is that he’s leaving on his own timeline - a rare feat in a business that’s seen more than its share of shakeups lately, especially in Alberta.
Just in the past few months, the region has lost several prominent NHL reporters. TSN’s Salim Valji was laid off in November.
More recently, Oilers beat writer Daniel Nugent-Bowman also stepped away under uncertain circumstances. In that context, Gilbertson’s exit feels a little different - not a casualty of the industry, but a veteran choosing a new chapter.
And while fans in Calgary - and across the NHL media landscape - will miss his steady presence, his 14-year run on the Flames beat leaves a lasting mark. He told the stories that mattered, asked the right questions, and brought fans closer to the game they love.
Whatever comes next for Wes Gilbertson, he leaves the rink with the respect of his peers and the appreciation of a hockey community that’s better for having had him in it.