The team was formed as the Orlando Seals and played its first season beginning in October 2002 with the Atlantic Coast Hockey League (ACHL). That first year's team included former NHL players Zac Boyer, David Goverde, Chris LiPuma, and Terry Ryan. It was coached by former Tampa Bay Lightning player Stan Drulia. The Seals were running away with the league during the regular season and made a pivotal move at the trade deadline getting high scoring center Mike Sanderson and defenseman Dave Mills. These moves at the trade deadline gave the Seals the final pieces to win the ACHL regular season. The Seals' original staff was made up of owner Jeff Brubaker until he ran out of money one month into the season and David Waronker took over the franchise. Other staff members brought in were Steve McCall, Erica Hodges, and Tom Bradley. With the backing of several Solar Bears' season ticket holders, the Seals got off to a solid start attendance-wise and later on the ice thanks to a solid core of hockey fans in Orlando and a roster full of veteran players. With Waronker's investment, the staff was able to make the team a success. The Seals were the winners of that league's first and only President's Cup in 2003 as well as the Commissioner's Cup as regular season champions after a 43–14 record. League Commissioner Jim Riggs awarded the trophy to the Waronker and Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer during an on-ice ceremony at one of the regular season games. The Seals swept both Macon Trax and Knoxville in the playoffs to win the championship on the road in Knoxville.