The Battalion began play for the 1998–99 OHL season in the Midwest Division of the Western Conference. The Battalion played their first game on September 24, 1998, losing to the host Peterborough Petes by a 5–1 score. Jason Maleyko scored the first goal in club history. The Battalion played their first game at the Powerade Centre on October 9, 1998, losing to the Kitchener Rangers by a score of 5–1. The first win in club history would come on October 18 when the Battalion beat the visiting Sudbury Wolves 5–4.