The Barrie Colts have hired Marty Williamson as their new General Manager and Head Coach ahead of the 2021-22 season.

Williamson, who was Head Coach of the Colts for six years before departing for the Niagara IceDogs in the 2010-11 season, takes over from Jason Ford, who departed the team last month. Williamson boasts an impressive OHL record with 457-296-9-54 in 12 seasons. During his Colts’ tenure, he led the team to six playoff appearances, and he also secured two conference championships with the IceDogs.

On the Barrie Colts website, Williamson stated that he is ready for the new chapter at his former side: “My family and I are extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to be back in Barrie. We have family and friends in Barrie and friends within the Colts organization.

“To return to the organization that gave me my start in the OHL is a very special feeling. We have an exciting team and during my conversations with Howie, we both are totally committed to bringing a league championship to the fans of Barrie. We have come so close a few times and I believe that together we can win.”

Colts President Howie Campbell also commented on the appointment: “With very strong conviction towards winning a league championship and a Memorial Cup, I am pleased to announce our new Head Coach and General Manager is Marty Williamson. Marty is no stranger to our league, and definitely no stranger to the Colts organization. I have 100% confidence that he will be able to deliver us a championship season.”

Chris Dennis will join Williamson on the bench for the Colts after three years with the Vegas Golden Knights NHL franchise. Williamson was delighted to have a new coaching team around him in his new role: “I feel very lucky to have Chris Dennis and Taylor Carnevale who will be joining me on the bench with David Belitski as our Goalie Coach. Chris is an experienced coach that will do a great job with our defence. Taylor returns with a knowledge of our team and is an up-and-coming coach that I have had a long relationship with and David is a very experienced goalie coach that is a great addition for us.

“I look forward to working with them and with Assistant GM Rob Stewart to bring a winning team to Barrie.”

For more information, visit the Barrie Colts website, www.barriecolts.com

Photo Credit: Barrie Colts Instagram. In photo (left to right): Chris Dennis (Associate Coach), Marty Williamson (GM & Head Coach), Howie Campbell (President), Taylor Carnevale (Assistant Coach), David Belitski (Director of Goaltending), Rob Stewart (Assistant GM).