The Boston University hockey team validated its No. 1 ranking in the Hockey East preseason coach’s poll with a resounding 10-2 win over Prince Edward Island at the Agganis Arena in an exhibition game Saturday.

Forward Patrick Harper led the charge for the Terriers as he picked up five goals, with his fifth goal coming shorthanded with 12 minutes, four seconds remaining in the third period.

Fellow freshman Clayton Keller and Dante Fabbro also joined the scoring party with three and one goals scored, respectively.

The Panthers were unable to get much going throughout the game with both of their goals coming via 5-on-3 power plays.

The BU goaltenders played a solid game as junior Connor LaCouvee picked up 11 saves on 13 shots. Freshman Jake Oettinger added seven saves, while sophomore Max Prawdzik totaled 10. Both backup goaltenders held perfect periods with the Panthers only score coming in the first period against LaCouvee.

The Terriers will take the ice in their final pre-season exhibition this Thursday against the U.S. National Under-18 team.

Providence College chops down the Axemen

No. 10 Providence defeated Acadia University 3-0 in exhibition play at Schneider Arena on Sunday.

Sophomore forward Scott Conway shined with a power-play goal in the third period to go along with two assists.

Forward Ryan Tait started off the game with a rebound goal, only 1:59 into the first period. Bryan Lemos extended the Friar lead with a goal later in the first on a rebound shot attempt by Conway.

Friar’s goaltender Hayden Hawkey did his part by adding 18 saves, shutting out the Axemen.

On the other side, Acadia goaltender Robert Steeves recorded 16 saves, while backup Brandon Glover added eight of his own.

The Friars will begin their 2016-2017 season on Friday at Schneider Arena in the first game of a back-to-back against Miami (OH). Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Maine falls to St. Francis Xavier

Maine blew an early three-goal lead to lose to St. Francis Xavier 6-5 on home ice Sunday at Alfon Arena.

The Black Bears started the game flying out of the gates with forward Nolan Vesey scoring with 58 seconds into the opening period. Forward Jake Pappalardo and defenseman Eric Schurhamer each scored a goal in the first period to increase the Black Bears lead to three.

However, in the second period, St. Francis Xavier took charge by tallying four goals, with three coming off the power play, which led to a 19-7 edge in the shot category.

The X-Men carried the momentum early into the third period with a shorthanded goal by left-winger Mark Tremaine 23 seconds into the third.

Maine fired back nearly a minute later as forward Blaine Byron scored a power-play goal to decrease the St. Francis lead to one.

The Black Bears battled for nearly the entire period until the X- Men scored again on Sam Studnicka’s empty netter in the final minute to secure the victory for Saint Francis Xavier.

Maine forward Chase Pearson scored with only 19 seconds left, but the comeback was held short.

Goaltender Brandon Hope recorded 27 saves for St. Francis Xavier, as Rob McGovern (18) and Matt Morris (12) combined for 30 saves for the Black Bears.

Maine will open its regular season this Friday against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at 7 p.m.

Will Hayes can be reached at [email protected].