Tom Gazzola is the new morning show host on Stingray’s Sports 1440 AM (CKJR-AM) in Edmonton.

Gazzola steps into the role vacated by Kevin Karius, who’d been the station’s morning show host since its launch in 2023. Karius hosted his final show Friday morning after announcing his retirement earlier this week, capping a 36-year career in sports broadcasting.

Gazzola announced his departure from Edmonton Sports Talk earlier this month. He’d been with the digital outlet as a host and reporter covering the Edmonton Oilers and Edmonton Elks, among other teams for the past three years, in addition to serving as a sideline reporter for the CFL on TSN.

A graduate of the NAIT Broadcast program, Gazzola started his career as a part-time producer for theScore and worked as a general assignment reporter for CKSA and CITL Lloydminster. He went on to work for the Edmonton Oilers from 2010-18 as a host and reporter for Oilers TV. Prior to joining Edmonton Sports Talk, he also did a five-year with TSN, including hosting the Oilers pre- and post-game shows on TSN 1260 (CFRN-AM).

He’ll take up his new role, helming The Tom Gazzola Show, on Monday, July 6.

“We needed an experienced host similar to Kevin, with deep connections to the community and the Oilers, Elks, Riverhawks, Stingers and Oil Kings and Tom was our first choice,” said Jason Gregor, afternoon host and President of Just A Game Productions. “He brings a wealth of experience, great energy and is a great teammate. I look forward to working together again.”

“In my eyes, Kevin Karius is a broadcasting legend in Northern Alberta and it’s an honour to be able to get behind the mic in his place,” added Gazzola. “I’m incredibly excited to work again with Gregor and all the great teammates at Sports 1440 and help continue to build on a fantastic foundation. I can’t wait to get started.”