After the 2007–08 season, it was announced that the Express would relocate to the Detroit Area, where they would be called the Motor City Machine.

On June 26, 2009, the team announced it was changing its nickname to the Metal Jackets, and removing the triangle and text from the logo.

The city's current Junior A hockey team, the Jamestown Jets, unsuccessfully filed a lawsuit over the move, alleging a conspiracy to remove the Jets in favor of the Ironmen.

[1] In February 2013, Ironmen owner Kenji Yamada indicated he may put the team up for sale due to falling attendance.

[3] This deal ultimately collapsed, and on June 5, 2013, Yamada announced the Ironmen would not return for the 2013–14 season.