Colts Turn the Page: Howie Campbell Passes the Torch to John Careri
John Careri, founder and CEO of Jonvic Sports, is pleased to announce the acquisition of a majority ownership position in The Horsepower Sports & Entertainment Group and the Ontario Hockey League’s Barrie Colts.
The transaction opens a new chapter for one of the OHL’s most storied franchises — and closes, gently, one of its most personal ones. For 21 seasons, Howie Campbell has been the heartbeat of the Barrie Colts: the man who showed up early, stayed late, and treated a hockey team like family. That chapter isn’t ending so much as passing to new hands. Campbell will remain a shareholder in the organization and continue as a senior advisor to Careri, ensuring the values he built the franchise on are carried forward.
“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,” said Howie Campbell. “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.
“I’m proud of what we have built here in Barrie, and I’m confident that Mr. Careri will do a great job. I’m so proud of all the players who have been Barrie Colts — the whole community has done an amazing job welcoming young boys and watching them leave as great young men. I will continue to be involved in the community, and I’m excited for the future.”
For Careri, the acquisition is both an honour and a responsibility: a chance to build on the foundation Campbell spent two decades laying, and to help write the next pages of a franchise with deep roots in its city.
“The Barrie Colts are an exceptional organization with a proud history, a passionate fan base, and deep roots in the community,” said Careri. “What stood out to me was the strength of the franchise at every level — from its players and staff to its alumni, business operations, and its relationship with the City of Barrie. Howie has built something incredibly special here, and I have tremendous respect for what he and his team have accomplished. Stepping into this role means carrying that legacy forward, not replacing it.”
Careri brings both business acumen and a proven record of championship hockey ownership to the role. He is also the owner of the Toronto Patriots of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), who captured the 2026 Buckland Cup championship this past season.
“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,” Careri added. “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.”
Careri also spoke with enthusiasm about Barrie’s vibrant sports culture, and about the opportunity to partner with the city on future enhancements to Sadlon Arena — a modernization he sees as a catalyst for the franchise’s long-term growth, and for the community that has rallied around it for three decades.
Founded as an OHL expansion franchise in 1995, the Barrie Colts have grown into one of the Canadian Hockey League’s most recognized organizations. The team captured the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL champions in 2000 and has sent numerous players on to NHL and professional hockey careers. Through it all, the constant has been a community that has embraced the Colts as its own — and an ownership, past and future, committed to keeping it that way.
