Knights forward Ryan Rupert watches Barrie Colts goaltender Mathias Niederberger deflects a shot wide in London, Ont., on May 13, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley

By The Canadian Press

OHL approves sale of Barrie Colts to Toronto-area businessman John Careri

Jul 31, 2026 | 10:20 AM

TORONTO — The Barrie Colts have a new owner.

The Ontario Hockey League announced Friday that the club has been transferred to John Careri.

The Toronto-area entrepreneur, investor and sports executive serves as president and chief executive officer of JONVIC Capital Inc., the OHL said in a statement following a board of governors meeting.

Careri is also the owner of the defending Buckland Cup champion Toronto Patriots of the second-tier Ontario Junior Hockey League and of Everest Academy, a private athletic and academic school in Vaughan, Ont.

He assumes majority ownership of the OHL franchise from Howie Campbell, who purchased the team from Barrie businessman Jamie Massie in 2006.

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The Colts were crowned Eastern Conference champions in 2010, 2013 and 2026 under Campbell’s watch.

“(Careri) brings a passion and enthusiasm for the game,” OHL commissioner Bryan Crawford said in a release. “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.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 31, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

OHL approves sale of Barrie Colts to Toronto-area businessman John Careri

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