Formerly known as the Louisville Icehawks, they played in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) from 1995–2000.

They played in Louisville from 1990 until 1994, but suspended operations after the 1993–94 season, and the organization decided to relocate to Jacksonville, Florida.

The team, now rebranded as the Jacksonville Lizard Kings, promoted themselves in their new city with a substantial marketing campaign, including television ads featuring a goalie catching a puck with a lizard tongue.

Despite their advertising the Lizard Kings were not able to cover their operating costs, and lost $2.2 million over four years.

In 2002 a new team, the Jacksonville Barracudas, began play in the Coliseum and secured a contract for the new arena, completed in 2003.