Monroe was awarded an expansion franchise in May 1997 slated to begin play that October.

[2] Prior to the 1998-99 season, permanent ice was installed at the civic center allowing for the team to remain in Monroe.

However with declining attendance, Rob Bremner was relieved of his coaching duties following the season.

Playing a more aggressive style, the team would advance once again to the playoffs where they would subsequently lose in the first round to Arkansas.

[2] Leading into the 2000-01 season, the future of the franchise came into question as a result of the continual decline in attendance.