On November 11, 2013, the ECHL's board of governors approved the expansion membership application of the Indy Fuel for admission to the league for the 2014–15 season. On October 17, 2014, the Fuel played their franchise opening game against the Fort Wayne Komets, reigniting the Indianapolis and Fort Wayne rivalry after 15 years in a 4–5 defeat.[1]
On March 7, 2016, the Indy Fuel relieved their inaugural head coach Scott Hillman and named Bernie John as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2015–16 season.[2] On April 8, 2016, the interim tag was removed and John was named head coach and vice president of hockey operations for the 2016–17 season.[3]