The franchise was previously known as the Peoria Rivermen. For the first month of the 1996–97 season, the Dragons wore all white (home) and all black (road) jerseys because the New Jersey designs had not come in yet. The team never drew many fans, competing directly with the established San Antonio Iguanas for attendance, and folded after two seasons due to financial problems. Although the Iguanas were established, the Dragons drew more fans then the Iguanas and also captured a larger share of the corporate support of San Antonio. Following an overhaul of the front office and following the loss of assistant coach, John Torchetti (former Iguanas head coach), the Dragons in year two of their existence and being the only hockey team in the city floundered and finally went under. Ownership misread the market and finally pulled the plug.