[1][2] The team's first head coach was former St. Louis Blues' player Mark Reeds and they had their home opener on October 23, 1999, with a sellout attendance for a 6–2 win over the Asheville Smoke.

The team was sold in December 2001 to local ownership group River City Hockey LLC.

[5] During the National Hockey League (NHL) lockout in 2004–05, NHL defenseman Barret Jackman decided to stay in St. Louis and play hockey for the River Otters during the lockout, along with center Ryan Johnson, defenseman Bryce Salvador and right winger Jamal Mayers.

On January 25, 2006, the Missouri River Otters hosted the 2006 United Hockey League All Star Classic, which included events such as an UHL alumni vs. St. Louis Blues alumni pre-game show to raise money for St. Louis Children's Hospital.

While leaving open the possibility of a sale, Shanahan said that the competition for the sports dollar in the greater St. Louis area meant that the team would likely fold instead of being sold.