DETROIT--There will be no regrets this time.

A year ago, after losing to Michigan State, 6-5, in the NCAA championship game, the Harvard men's hockey team still felt it was the best in the country.

Number one.

This year, the Crimson set out to prove itself to everyone, set out to take the title for real.

But last night, Harvard's redemption train was ambushed by the Fighting Sioux of the University of North Dakota.

After losing, 5-2, the Crimson came away with the unmistakable impression that the number-one ranked team in the country was, well, number one.

Harvard didn't play well last night, make no mistake about it. But don't underestimate the Sioux. General Custer did that.

UND sophomore center Tony Hrkac will claim the 1987 Hobey Baker Award today as college hockey's most valuable player. It's a well deserved honor.

Each of his four points last night established a new NCAA single-season scoring record, and when the final horn sounded, Hrkac's unbelievable mark stood at 115 points.

North Dakota's triumph last night not only propelled the Sioux into tomorrow's final--it also made them the winningest NCAA hockey team ever.

Another Scalping

Harvard was the 39th scalp for UND, breaking the NCAA mark established by the 1984-'85 Michigan State edition.

The winningest team in Harvard history only won 28 games.

And that team plays for number 29 tomorrow afternoon. Crimson Coach Bill Cleary and his seniors said last night that the "Jolting at the Joe" won't blemish one of Harvard's finest seasons ever.

Losing to the Sioux is not a disgrace, Cleary and Co. said.