It may be an exhibition game, but it will feel more like a playoff contest because it’s between arch rivals.

The University of Maine men’s hockey team and New Hampshire will play a season-opening exhibition game at Bowdoin College’s Sidney J. Watson Arena on Friday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.

The Black Bears and Wildcats had a similar exhibition matchup to start the season two years ago at Colby College’s Jack Kelley Rink in Waterville. Both teams are members of the Hockey East conference.

As a result of Hockey East’s rotating schedule, UMaine and UNH are scheduled to play just twice this season, both in Orono on Dec. 5-6.

They previously had been playing three times with two at one team’s rink and one at the other arena.

“It was a good experience a couple of years ago and I like playing UNH at

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