In June 2004, the United Hockey League awarded the Kansas City franchise to Stephen Franke, co-owner of the UHL's Fort Wayne Komets. The team announced that they would begin play that fall. The Outlaws began their lone season by winning back-to-back home games against cross-state rival Missouri River Otters, and running up a 5-1 record in the first two weeks. From then, the team's fortunes changed drastically, and the Outlaws finished last in the Western Division in 2004-2005 with a record of 28-45-7 (wins, losses and overtime losses).