John Careri acquires Barrie Colts hockey club in OHL ownership transfer

The Ontario Hockey League announced that its Board of Governors has approved the transfer of the Barrie Colts hockey club to Toronto‑area entrepreneur John Careri. Careri, president and chief executive officer of JONVIC Capital Inc., also owns the OJHL’s Toronto Patriots and the private school Everest Academy. He assumes majority ownership from Howie Campbell, who purchased the franchise in 2006 after it was owned by Barrie businessman Jamie Massie. Campbell will remain a shareholder and serve as a senior advisor. OHL commissioner Bryan Crawford said Careri brings passion and business leadership that will benefit the Colts and the league. The change comes after the Colts captured the Bobby Orr Trophy as Eastern Conference champions and will begin training camp in August for the 2026‑27 season.