It seems appropriate that the seven University of Maine seniors who will be playing their last regular-season games at the Alfond Arena this weekend will be doing so against the Boston University Terriers.

After all, the Terriers, the New Hampshire Wildcats and the Boston College Eagles are Maine’s primary rivals in Hockey East.

“You’re always jacked up for games against BU, UNH or BC. Those are the most memorable games I’ve played in,” said Bear senior left wing Lucas Lawson, who has 48 career goals and 41 assists in his 140-game career.

“It’s a huge weekend for us,” said right wing Gray Shaneberger (106 games, 17 goals, 17 assists, 34 points). “Not only is it our last regular-season games and the last [regular season] games for the seniors here, but it’s BU.

“Both teams are on the verge of having great years. They’re a [NCAA] playoff-caliber team and we’re fortunate to have a chance to play them before the playoffs. It will be a great test,” added Shaneberger.

The Bears are looking to build some momentum as they are just 3-4-2 in their last nine games.

“We’ve been struggling lately and we’ve got to get momentum like we have in the past three years to carry into the playoffs,” said center Marty Kariya (151 games, 49-102-151).

The senior class, which also includes defensemen Cliff Loya (144, 2-18-20) and Tommy Reimann (135, 23-59-82), left wing and captain Chris Heisten (123, 35-45-80) and center Robert Liscak (144, 46-56-102), has compiled a 96-37-24 record.

That includes a 14-5 postseason mark en route to three NCAA Tournament appearances, two Frozen Fours and an NCAA championship game appearance last season.

Maine is 9-2 in Hockey East Tournament play and 5-3 in the NCAAs.

Heisten said the four years have gone by “real fast.

“I remember coming in and meeting all the other freshmen at a barbecue. Tommy and Gray had already been here a year. And now it’s our last home weekend regular-season series. It has been a fun four years. Hopefully, we have a little run left [to a national championship] and then it’s time to move on,” said Heisten.

“I can’t believe there’s only four or five games left [including playoffs] at Alfond. It’s sad in a way. It’s such a great place to play,” said Lawson.

“I’m sure it’s going to be emotional,” said Shaneberger.

Maine coach Tim Whitehead said the group has been special.

“They’ve accomplished a ton,” said Whitehead. “What is most important is they’ve done it together. This group has a lot of mutual respect for each other and it shows how they treat each other. I have a ton of respect for each and every one of them.”

He said they have been overcome a lot of adversity, particularly the loss of coach Shawn Walsh to kidney cancer 17 months ago.

“That was their most difficult challenge and they handled it first class,” said Whitehead.

He said fans can expect a “lunch pail, hard hat type of series” this weekend.

“It’s going to be good for both teams,” said Whitehead.

One man who looms large for BU is junior goalie and Beanpot Tournament MVP Sean Fields, who is 13-5-1 with a 1.91 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage in his last 19 starts.

“I enjoy playing at Maine. The fans are great. They’re animated. They really get on us,” said Fields, who added he and his mates have plenty of incentive besides trying to secure home ice for the Hockey East playoffs. “Maine has been a big thorn in our sides the past couple of years. They knocked us out of the NCAA playoffs last year (4-3) and embarrassed us at home this season (7-3).”