About Steve

Steve  was a proud Northern Ontario native whose life was defined by hard work, quiet leadership, deep loyalty to family, and an enduring love of hockey. Born in Sault Ste. Marie on October 31, 1964, to Italian-Canadian parents Rena and Giorgio Barban, Steve carried the values of community, perseverance, and generosity with him throughout his life.

As a young boy growing up in Sault Ste. Marie, Steve developed a passion for hockey that would remain central to his life. Determined to play, he worked a paper route for years to afford his equipment and regularly travelled long distances for practices and games. Although a serious car accident during his teenage years prevented him from fully pursuing his dream of professional hockey, his love for the game never faded.

Steve attended Carleton University, where his natural leadership qualities quickly emerged. He served as President of the university’s Residence Association and built friendships and connections that would shape the rest of his career and personal life.

An accomplished entrepreneur, Steve founded Gentry Capital and built a successful career spanning investments, real estate, hospitality, and restaurant ownership across Ontario, Québec, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Known for his calm demeanor, thoughtful decision-making, and strong business instincts, he earned respect not only in the business world but throughout the communities he touched.

Despite his business success, hockey always remained close to Steve’s heart. He became the proud owner of the Navan Grads and dedicated nearly two decades to supporting young athletes and growing junior hockey in Canada. As Chairman of the Central Canada Hockey League and a member of the Canadian Junior Hockey League Board of Governors, Steve was widely admired for his commitment, integrity, and mentorship. Whether handling team operations, supporting players behind the scenes, or simply “throwing the puck around” at practice, he approached hockey with genuine joy and humility.

Above all else, Steve was devoted to his family. He shared a loving partnership with his wife, Krista, and took immense pride in his children, Tyler and Tori. Friends and family remember him as soft-spoken, kind-hearted, and endlessly supportive — someone who led not through volume or ego, but through consistency, compassion, and example.

Steve's life story is one of resilience, ambition, and generosity. From his roots in Sault Ste. Marie to his influence across the hockey and business communities of Ontario, he left behind a legacy built on integrity, family values, and a sincere belief in helping others succeed. He will be remembered not only for what he accomplished, but for the warmth, humility, and quiet strength with which he lived every day.