[3][4] On January 31, 2006, Robbie Nichols was announced to be leaving his post as coach of the Richmond RiverDogs, which was also owned by Dr. Margenau, to start up the new UHL team in Chicago.

The Hounds got off to an inauspicious start as their first home game was canceled due to bad ice at the brand new Sears Centre.

[8] On June 6, 2007, Drecktrah ceased the team's operations citing his inability to negotiate a reasonable lease with the Sears Centre.

[9] The team attempted to resume play in the UHL, which had rebranded International Hockey League, for the 2008–09 season, but Drecktrah was unable to secure a venue in the Chicago area.

In 2010, it was announced that Drecktrah would be bringing an ECHL team, the Chicago Express, to the Sears Centre, which competed in the 2011–12 season before ceasing operations.