The Barrie Colts have been officially sold to a Toronto-based owner after approval from the Ontario Hockey League
The OHL has approved the sale of the Barrie Colts to John Careri, a Toronto businessman and sports executive.
Careri, owner of the Jr. A OJHL Toronto Patriots and CEO of Jonvic Sports, has gained ownership of the Ontario Hockey League club from previous owner Howie Campbell, who had owned the Colts since 2006.
In a statement, OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford welcomed Careri as the newest owner of the Colts organization.
I’m pleased to welcome John Careri as owner of the Barrie Colts. 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.
The financial details of the sale were not publicly announced. Campbell will remain with the Colts organization as a partial shareholder, owning 10% of the club, as the team transitions into their new ownership.
Campbell called giving up ownership to Careri a "hard decision", but called the JONVIC Capital CEO a "very successful and seasoned entrepreneur and businessman".
It was a very hard decision for me and my family, but after 21 seasons I feel like the time is right to take a step back, spend more time with them, while ensuring that the future of the team and the company is in good hands. Mr. Careri is a very successful and seasoned entrepreneur and businessman who shares my passion for hockey and for bringing a championship to the City of Barrie. It’s bittersweet. But I will still be involved, so it’s not like I am just walking out the door. I’m committed to working with John to hoist a Memorial Cup with the Barrie Colts.
Speaking on Barrie, new owner Careri called the Colts a team with "a proud history, a passionate fan base, and deep roots in the community", saying on Campbell that he "built something incredibly special here".
Further, Careri also stated that his focus is on the team as "long-term owners", and investing in the organization's growth in the coming seasons.
Our objective is to give this organization every opportunity to compete for championships, while continuing to elevate the entire fan experience — from the hockey on the ice to the concessions, retail, and hospitality in the building. We are approaching this as long-term owners. We intend to respect the history and identity of the Barrie Colts while continuing to invest in the organization and position it for sustained success for many years to come.
The Barrie Colts finished first in the OHL's Central Division in the recent 2025-26 season with a 45-14-5-4 record, having lost in the OHL finals to the Kitchener Rangers.
