Ten days ago, the University of Maine’s Greg Moore and UMass’ Stephen Werner were contributing to the United States’ first ever gold medal in the World Junior Hockey Championships in Finland.

But the two right wings will be wearing different colors this weekend when the Black Bears entertain the Minutemen for a pair of important Hockey East games.

Werner and Moore also played together for two years with the United States National Team’s Development Program in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Maine goalie Jimmy Howard, who will be back after missing a month with a knee injury, was also a teammate with the NTDP team.

They all said their friendship will give them added incentive this weekend.

“It did last year,” said Werner, who had five goals in six games during the World Junior Championships. “You look forward to these games. You look forward to facing off against players you played with before. We hung out together. We had a real good two years with the national team. ”

“It’s fun,” said Howard. “It’ll be good to see him again. We had a good time in Ann Arbor. We went through all the ups and downs together.

“Stephen’s a great guy. We enjoyed having him around,” said Howard.

Moore said the team spent so much time together in Ann Arbor, “you become really close.”

“There’s always bragging rights. We keep things under control but, on the ice, we give each other a hard time,” said Moore.

Howard said he and fellow Maine goalie Frank Doyle will have to keep a watchful eye on Werner.

“He’s a dominant player. He’s underrated. He’s one of the best forwards in Hockey East,” said Howard.

Moore and Werner said their experience in Finland has given them a confidence boost.

“Even though I played after being back just one day, I felt I was still playing at a high level. I had an extra step against BU and I hope I feel the same way against Maine. I hope I can help the team a little bit,” said Werner who had two assists in the 2-1 win over BU on Jan. 7.

“Knowing that you played [well] against NHL players and top [NHL] prospects definitely helps your confidence,” said Moore, who will be playing his first game back on Friday night.

Werner knows he and his mates will have their hands full after ousting the Bears from the Hockey East playoffs with 5-3 and 4-2 wins at Orono during the quarterfinals a year ago.

“Maine is a team with pride. They play hard. What we hear is that they have been playing physical lately. They’ll want to protect their home ice and get some revenge,” said Werner. “We’ve got to get off to a good start. We can’t let them get going because they really respond to their crowd. We’ve got to play hard. If we play hard, the goals will come.”

UMass has scored two goals or less in eight of its last 13 games.

Werner considers Alfond his favorite Hockey East rink.

“Especially after feeling what it’s like to win up there,” said Werner. “The crowd is right over you. The games are intense. They’re fun.”

Howard and Moore are both excited to be back in the lineup.

“I feel great. I can’t wait,” said Howard.

“It’s real good to be back with the team,” said Moore.

There are still tickets available and can be obtained during normal business hours on Friday at the arena or beginning one hour before game time each night.

Due to the cold weather, the university will be providing a free shuttle service from the steam plant parking lot to Alfond Arena on both nights. Buses will make continuous loops from the north end of the steam plant parking lot to the front doors at the arena from 5:30-10:30 each night.