the team, then known as the cape fear fireantz, joined the fledgling atlantic coast hockey league for the 2002–03 season. their first coach was shawn ulrich. after the season david waronker announced he was withdrawing his four teams from the unstable league to form the world hockey association 2. the fireantz and other remaining achl teams formed the south east hockey league. they played the sehl for the 2003–04 season, with scott rex serving as coach.