A long-time Calgary Flames beat reporter has announced his exit from sports media.

Wes Gilbertson, who has been covering the Flames for the past 14 seasons, confirmed on Thursday that he will be leaving his jobs at Postmedia and Sportsnet. The 42-year-old was one of the city’s most respected sports writers, and his departure comes as a surprise to many.

Along with writing, Gilbertson also co-hosted the Flames Talk radio show on Sportsnet 960. The veteran reporter shared a message on X, saying that he was leaving the industry on his own terms.

“Last night, I covered my final Flames game for Postmedia. Today will be my last show on Sportsnet 960,” Gilbertson 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.”

Personal news: Last night, I covered my final #Flames game for Postmedia. Today will be my last show on Sportsnet 960. A few features to come, but that’s a wrap on 14 seasons on Flames beat. I’m proud of the work I’ve done. I’m also proud to leave sports media on my own terms. pic.twitter.com/xQ9MRaz3dv

— Wes Gilbertson (@WesGilbertson) February 5, 2026

It appears that Gilbertson was not a victim of a layoff, which has become a normal occurrence in the sports media world lately, and instead chose to leave on his own accord.

He made sure to send out a message to his readers, giving thanks to all the support he’s been given and for helping him live out a childhood dream.

“Most of all, a huge thanks to everyone who read, listened and followed my coverage,” Gilbertson 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.”

It won’t only be the fans missing Gilbertson’s presence around the rink. Replies to the announcement were flooded with fellow reporters across the NHL.

“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.”

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.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 5, 2026

“Congrats Wes! On to bigger and better things,” wrote TSN’s Jermain Franlkin 

 

Best of luck in your next step, Wes.

I always thought well of you and your work.

— Seth Rorabaugh (@SethRorabaugh) February 5, 2026

There is no word on what kind of work Gilbertson is moving onto, but it is nice to know that he isn’t the latest to be pushed out of the job unwillingly. Alberta has been hit hard in the last few months when it comes to losing talented NHL beat reporters.

Salim Valji, a former TSN Calgary bureau reporter, was laid off back in November. Just last month, Edmonton Oilers beat reporter Daniel Nugent-Bowman also left his job under some unclear circumstances.