"It's probably one of the hardest decisions I've ever made"
That's how longtime Barrie Colts owner Howie Campbell described selling the OHL franchise on Friday as he officially introduced Toronto businessman John Careri as the team's new majority owner.
Campbell said while he originally envisioned owning the club for another three or four years, conversations with Careri convinced him he had found the right person to carry on the organization.
"The more I got to know John, and the more I got to know what he was about and what he brought to the table, the more I realized he was the right guy to buy the team and carry on what we've kind of developed here," Campbell said in a press conference at Sadlon Arena.
Careri is president and CEO of JONVIC Capital Inc. and carries sports business experience as owner of the Toronto Patriots of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) and of Everest Academy, a private athletic and academic school in Vaughan.
His pursuit of an OHL franchise began about a year ago when he approached OHL commissioner Bryan Crawford about potential ownership opportunities. Crawford then connected him with Campbell, leading to conversations about a possible sale.
Careri said his goal is not to overhaul the Colts, but to build on the foundation Campbell established over more than two decades of ownership.
"Our objective is to compete for a championship, continuing to provide resources and elevate the player and fan experience," Careri said. "From the hospitality to the retail to the enhancements to the Sadlon Arena, we will work closely with the City of Barrie to bring the Memorial Cup home."
The OHL confirmed its board of governors approved the transfer of the franchise earlier this offseason.
Renovations to the Colts' longtime home seem to be top of mind for the new head of the organization, with the team's dressing room already seeing major improvements during the offseason.
While plans would still need to be discussed with the City of Barrie, which owns the arena, Careri says he'd like to see more player amenities, seats, and other improvements as he envisions a potential bid to host the Memorial Cup down the line.
Campbell, who purchased the Colts in 2006 from Barrie businessman Jamie Massie, will remain a shareholder with a 10 per cent stake in the team and serve in the capacity of senior advisor with the Colts to aid in the transition.
The Colts, who open up training camp in August, are coming off a successful season as Eastern Conference champions and have won the Central Division in back-to-back years.
Despite the success Barrie has enjoyed under Campbell's ownership, one accomplishment remained out of reach.
"We never did win that stupid Memorial Cup," Campbell exclaimed.
