Based in Cornwall, Ontario, the Nationals played their home games at the Ed Lumley Arena.

The Nationals were founded in September 2016, when the Cornwall River Kings of the Ligue Nord-Américaine de Hockey (LNAH) folded just prior to the 2016–17 season.

[1] Prior to creating the Nationals, Rivette led a last-minute fundraising campaign to save the River Kings but did not get enough support in time for the LNAH's deadlines.

[1][3] On September 17, Rivette and Gagne presented the first four players (Lou Dickenson, Jeff Legue, Jason Lepine, and Kris McCarthy) and revealed logo and jerseys.

[5] On December 21, the Nationals announced that it had secured another local investor, Will Beauvais, to help support the team.