It’s official – the Barrie Colts have been sold. The Ontario Hockey League announced in a release Friday morning that Toronto-area entrepreneur, investor and sports executive John Careri will become the new owner of the Barrie Colts Hockey Club. Careri also owns the Toronto Patriots, defending Buckland Cup champions, and a private athletic and academic school in Vaughan called Everest Academy. “I’m pleased to welcome John Careri as owner of the Barrie Colts,” said OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford. “He brings a passion and enthusiasm for the game and I know he’s eager to continue the tradition of competitiveness that the Barrie Colts have enjoyed for more than 30 years. John’s proven business leadership, commitment to developing student-athletes and passion for building strong organizations should benefit not only the Barrie Colts, but the League as a whole.” Howie Campbell has been the president and majority owner of the Colts for the last 20 years, when he bought it from Barrie businessman Jamie Massie in 2006. “It really is bittersweet. I am proud of all the players that have been Barrie Colts through the past 21 seasons, and I am proud of what we built in Barrie,” says Campbell. “I know the company is in good hands, and I will continue to be involved and in the community. I truly believe that one day Barrie will hoist a memorial cup.” During the time Campbell has owned the team, the Colts were the Eastern Conference champions in 2010, 2013 and 2026. The team also produced several NHL players Aaron Ekblad, Mark Scheifele, Andrei Svechnikov, Rasmus Andersson and Mackenzie Blackwood. Campbell is expected to stay on as an advisor for five years. “Howie has the franchise in a position of strength, and we’re grateful for his stewardship and for the care he took in identifying a successor who shares that same commitment to the club and the city,” said Crawford. The Colts will start training camp in late August to prepare for the 2026/27 season.
