It feels great to be back in the sports scene once again.
My name is Ian Gustafson and I’m the new sports reporter at the Red Deer Advocate. I’m excited to get involved and cover the large variety of sports the community has to offer.
I grew up in a small town in southern Saskatchewan but I come to you from Prince Albert, Sask., where I spent the last three years working as an editor and reporter for paNOW.
Before then, I was in Calgary where I graduated from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology with a diploma in journalism. Before and after graduation I did freelance sports work for many publications including The Canadian Press, Hockey Canada, the University of Calgary Dinos, the SAIT Trojans and even got to do my practicum for school with the Calgary Flames digital media team.
I enjoy watching and playing sports, as well as spending time with family, friends, my girlfriend and my cat. I am an avid golfer but to be blunt I won’t be turning pro anytime soon.
As the battle of Alberta continues some Central Albertans will be pleased to hear I’m a longtime Flames fan, the rest of you however probably just stopped reading the article (sorry Oilers nation).
Outside of the NHL I also have a close bond with the Toronto Raptors, especially the 2019 NBA championship team. I also love the Saskatchewan Roughriders and am hoping to don the Riders’ green this summer at McMahon stadium. I also can’t forget Canada’s team the Toronto Blue Jays. Despite their struggles thus far this team has the potential to turn their situation around.
All kidding aside, I hope I can carry on the terrific coverage Byron Hackett and the sports reporters before him at the Advocate over the years have done and I am thankful for the opportunity. If you have a story idea feel free to send it my way through social media, email or stop by the office.
Ian Gustafson is the sports reporter at the Red Deer Advocate and can be reached by email at ian.gustafson@reddeeradvocate.com