FROM EXPANSIONS TO CHAMPIONS!

The Thunder Bay Chill became an official member of the United Soccer League's Premier Development League in 2000. The Chill were among 10 new expansion teams in the PDL that season and the 2nd Canadian team to become a full fledged member of the PDL. The first official press conference was held on May 13, 2000 where the Chill announced their first ever game will be played on the road versus the Rockford Raptors and their first ever home game would be played on May 27, 2000 at Fort William Stadium versus the Wisconsin Rebels.

The Chill began playing all of their home games at Fort William Stadium before moving to it's new and present home, Chapples Soccer Field in 2005. During the off season winter months, many of the Chill local players workout at the Thunder Bay Soccer Plex, which is also considered the indoor home of the Chill and presently re-named the Performance Kia Soccer Plex.

After 3 years in the league, the team had it's first winning season in 2003 with a 10-7-1 record. In 2007, the team qualified for the playoffs by winning the Heartland division and setting a franchise record for wins and play-off qualification. In 2008 the team had it's greatest season of accomplishment finishing 2nd overall (one point from 1st) in the 67 PDL overall league, winning the Heartland Division, Central Conference title, and on August 7, 2008 capturing the PDL North American title in Laredo, Texas. The game was televised nationally on Fox Soccer Channel and the Chill became the 1st ever Canadian team to win the PDL championship.