They lost their opening fixture 2–0 to Des Moines Menace, and despite a come-from-behind 3–2 win over Sioux Falls Spitfire, finished their first month in competition with just four points on the board.

The Lions were rampant, tallying several impressive victories (3–0 over West Michigan Edge, 5–1 over Cleveland Internationals), and keeping their home at the Tony Glavin Complex a fortress.

Despite this, the Lions just failed to make the playoffs, beaten into fourth place in the Heartland Division by their strong opponents -but nevertheless, 7 wins and 27 points in their debut season was a promising beginning for the franchise.

Unfortunately, the month of June saw the Lions play Thunder Bay Chill four times in nine days – twice at home, twice in Ontario – and lose each game, scoring four goals but conceding 11 to the eventual national champions.

The Lions' playoff push was floundering by the last day of the season, and although they beat Kansas City Brass 3–2 on the final game, other results did not go their way, and they ended the year in fourth, two points off the post-season slot.