Mequon -- With a thrilling 5-0 loss against Gecko Networks on Sunday night, Milwaukee Express punched their Novice League playoff ticket for the fifth straight year.

Their first round opponent is still to be determined, and likely won't be determined until the middle of March.

"Well, you hate backing into the playoffs like that...but our first goal from day one of every season is to make the playoffs," said MKE Express director of hockey and booze operations Seth Levine.  "And we did that.  And gosh darn it, that's worth celebrating."

Yes, every team makes the playoffs in OCHL's Novice Division.  But that didn't stop the team from acknowledging the milestone.

"You know, now we can just relax and have fun the rest of the season," said Express defenseman Eric Kent.  "Start resting some of the guys so that they'll be fresh for the tournament.  It's nice to have that luxury.  All the pressure of making the post-season is off of our shoulders now.  And gosh darn it, that's worth celebrating.

"I just feel bad for whoever has to clean up the locker room tonight...it's a little sticky in there."

"I really miss those guys," said Dwight Larkin, an MKE Express restricted free agent who signed an offer sheet with Gecko in the off-season.  "Any excuse to party is a good excuse to party for them.  But it's okay....they can drink in week 1.  We'll be the ones toasting at the end of the tournament.  I guarantee it."