When John Careri announced his purchase of the Barrie Colts earlier this month, the new owner made one thing clear right out of the gate: stability in leadership was a top priority.
“We’ll obviously look to add in places where we can add better, and that would be our goal once we identify that, but we’re very happy with our coaching staff and our (general) manager,” said the new owner of the OHL club. “Our goal is just to complement those people with other hockey staff.”
On Tuesday, the OHL franchise backed up those words, announcing multi-year contract extensions for General Manager Marty Williamson and Head Coach Dylan Smoskowitz.
Williamson, who had two years remaining on his contract after leading Barrie to an OHL championship series appearance last season, received a two-year extension that keeps him under contract for four years. Smoskowitz, a finalist for OHL Coach of the Year in his first season behind the bench, signed a new three-year deal.
The move comes shortly after Careri appointed former North Bay Battalion GM John Winstanley as President of Hockey Operations, signalling strong alignment across the front office.
“Both have played an important role in establishing the culture, standards, and direction of our hockey program, and we believe strongly in their ability to continue moving this organization forward,” Winstanley said. “Stability and continuity are important as we build for sustained success. We want our players, staff, and fans to know that we have a clear vision for where we are going.”
For Williamson, who has spent over 12 years with the Colts organization, the extension offers both security and a strong vote of confidence during an ownership transition—a time when new owners often opt to bring in their own personnel.
Williamson recalled entering the organization years ago by replacing former head coach Bud Stefanski, and admitted he initially expected he might have to prove himself to the new regime.
“John stated to me from the beginning that he wanted me to be part of this and extended my contract to four years, so I feel very fortunate,” Williamson said. “I’m unbelievably excited to work with John. He’s been first-class, and Barrie is in very good hands.”
Williamson also highlighted his strong working relationship with Smoskowitz, who was drafted by the Colts in 2009 and played two seasons. Smoskowitz served three seasons as an assistant coach in Barrie before being elevated to head coach prior to last season by Williamson and former majority owner Howie Campbell.
“I feel very blessed to have Dylan with me,” Williamson said. “We’ve built quite a friendship—not just as mentor and mentee, but as friends. We want to get Barrie right back on track. We’ve got a couple of surprises coming, and I think we’re heading in the right direction.”
Smoskowitz echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the familiar, family-first environment carried over by the new leadership group.
“Getting to know John Careri and John Winstanley over the summer, they are Barrie Colts,” Smoskowitz said. “I have the same family feeling with them that I had with Howie. Barrie is always going to be home for me, and with these people around me in the organization, there’s no place in the world I’d rather be.”
With training camp set to open on Aug. 24, the focus shifts to guiding a young, rebuilding roster and pursuing an elusive Memorial Cup.
“The No. 1 thing that everyone in this organization shares is the will and the want to help these players, first and foremost, and after that comes the will and the need to win,” Smoskowitz said. “It’s so exciting when you’re of that mindset, like I am, and cut from that cloth, to be hanging out with people who are of the same mindset, and have the same values, beliefs, and same passion for delivering that elusive championship for the city of Barrie.”
