University of Maine freshman right winger Greg Moore and Boston College freshman right winger Patrick Eaves were linemates for two years with the U.S. National Development Program’s Under-17 team and then the U-18 squad.

Moore, Eaves and Maine freshman goalie Jimmy Howard combined to help the U.S. win the gold medal at the U-18 World Championships in Slovakia last May.

Moore and Eaves could be linemates again when the U.S. National Junior team plays in the World Championships in Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia, from Dec. 26-Jan. 5. Howard will also be a member of the team.

But they will be adversaries this weekend when the Black Bears invade Chestnut Hill, Mass., for a two-game weekend series with the Eagles.

Both teams are ranked in the top four in both national polls.

Moore, Eaves and Howard are all having exceptional first seasons.

Eaves has a team-high nine goals and is tied for the points lead with 16; Moore has four goals and four assists in 10 games including goals in three of his last four games and Howard is second in the nation in save percentage (.949) and third in goals-against average (1.33).

“We’re definitely close buddies,” said Moore. “We were linemates the past two years so we definitely know each other well. He was the left wing and I was the right wing. I think he prefers to play right wing, which he is now at BC. It’ll be fun to play against him for once.”

Howard concurred.

“It’s going to be a blast. Greg and I have been waiting for this for quite a while. But as soon as we get out there, it’s no more friends. It’ll be Maine versus BC. It’ll be just like playing anyone else. We’re going to try to beat them,” said Howard.

Both know what to expect from Eaves, who is one of the country’s top freshman point-getters.

“He’s a dangler,” said Moore referring to Eaves’ penchant for stickhandling. “You’ve got to keep your eyes on his chest and go through him.”

Eaves had been on one of the nation’s most potent lines with his brother Ben and Tony Voce. But that line has been broken up by coach Jerry York. Freshman Chris Collins will play with the Eaves brothers.

“Pat can score goals. He sees the whole ice and knows where everybody is,” said Moore.

And if Eaves breaks in alone on Howard?

“He’ll go five-hole. I know exactly what he’s going to do,” laughed Howard.

Howard added that BC has plenty of other snipers so he will have to be on his toes.

But Howard also said the Eagles will also have their hands full with the Bears.

“They’re going to have to play one of their best games defensively as well as offensively to beat us,” said Howard.