Being raised in Massachusetts, University of Maine sophomore defenseman Bret Tyler, left wing Billy Ryan and right wing Rob Bellamy followed the Boston-area college hockey programs, particularly Boston College and Boston University.

But now those two schools are among their archrivals and the Hockey East-leading BC Eagles come calling this weekend for a crucial two-game set.

“We couldn’t ask for bigger games than these. They’re one of the top teams in the league every year. I grew up watching Maine-BC and I realized how much this rivalry means to everybody around the league,” said Tyler. “Both of my coaches in junior hockey, Peter and Chris Masters, played there (BC) and they loved playing at Alfond Arena. They said it was their favorite road arena. I heard a lot about this rivalry before I came here. It’s a lot of fun to be part of it now.”

Ryan said there is a metamorphosis that occurs.

“We talk about it all the time. You grow up wanting to go there (BC), then you start fading away from it a little bit and you’d rather beat them than play for them,” said Ryan.

Bellamy said he knows some of the BC players and that adds to the rivalry.

“These are huge games. It’s going to be exciting,” he said.

Boston College sophomore goalie Cory Schneider said he and his mates consider Maine one of their top rivals.

“The past five to 10 years, Maine and BC have played a lot of big games. It’s a testament to the two programs and what they put into [their hockey programs],” said Schneider.

BC beat Maine 2-1 in double overtime in the Hockey East semifinals last season and, the previous year, Maine upset BC 2-1 in the Frozen Four at the FleetCenter in Boston. BC topped Maine 3-1 in their NCAA Tournament quarterfinal in Worcester, Mass., in 2001.

“It has become one of the best rivalries in college hockey,” said Ryan.

Tyler said the rivalry is reinforced on game day.

“When you show up at the Alfond Arena and see all the people lined up outside waiting for tickets, it makes you realize how big these games are,” said Tyler. “Maine is the best place to play college hockey. The fans are unbelievable.”

The Bears know they have to have a productive weekend because they are battling UNH, Providence and Vermont for third and fourth place and home ice for the Hockey East quarterfinals.

They’re also fighting to get in the NCAA Tournament for the eighth straight year.

One of the primary keys for the Bears will be their ability to contain the line of 6-foot-7 Brian Boyle, a first-round draft choice of Los Angeles, between dynamic wingers Chris Collins and Stephen Gionta. That line has scored 46 of BC’s 99 goals.

“We have to be more aware defensively when they’re on the ice,” said Maine right wing and captain Greg Moore. “We can’t turn the puck over. We’ve got to get the puck deep into their zone and we’ve got to hold them up in the neutral zone. We can’t give them time and space in the neutral zone.”

Schneider said his team will need to “work hard to win the special teams battle” and noted that Maine has exceptional special teams which decided their Oct. 28 matchup at BC (2-1).

Maine went 2-for-7 on the power play while BC was 0-for-5.