Dustin Penner described his two years with the University of Maine men’s hockey team as the best of his young life.

But when National Hockey League teams came calling at last month’s NCAA Frozen Four in Boston, the 21-year-old Penner realized he couldn’t postpone his professional career another year.

Penner announced Wednesday that he will forego his final season of college eligibility and has signed a free-agent contract with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. The imposing 6-foot-4 forward from Winkler, Manitoba, said he agreed to a three-year contract with the Ducks worth “six figures.”

“It’s too bad it didn’t happen my senior year, but it was too good an opportunity to pass up,” Penner said. “It was a really hard decision. I wrestled with it for about three weeks.”

Penner, who redshirted during 2002-03 after transferring from Minot State University-Bottineau, had an outstanding junior season while helping the Black Bears reach the national championship game. He took advantage of his size and strength to create matchup problems for opponents on his way to 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points in 43 games.

“Dustin really emerged for us this season and came into his own down the stretch,” said UMaine coach Tim Whitehead. “It’s really remarkable how he’s been able to elevate his game the last two years.”

Penner ranked fifth on the team in goals, seventh in points, and tied for third with five power-play goals. He scored the game-winning goal against Boston College in the national semifinals.

Whitehead said Penner would have been among the top forwards in Hockey East next season had he stayed.

“That’s a tough player for us to replace,” Whitehead said, “but we have a very proud tradition of replacing players [who sign pro early, including recent examples Francis Nault, Doug Janik and Michael Shute]. We’re very proud that we’re able to continue to produce professional players.”

Penner was won over by Ducks General Manager Dave McNabb because of his honesty and persistence.

“[McNabb] really pursued me pretty hard,” Penner said. “They said, ‘This is what we expect and we’ll give you all the opportunities in the world to make sure you become the best player you can be.’ It’s nice to go where you feel wanted.”

Penner admits he has lots of work to do to make the jump to pro hockey, citing his skating and strength as the primary areas needing improvement.

“He’s got a great opportunity in front of him to play a ton of hockey next year with Anaheim’s organization and to really elevate his game playing against elite players day in and day out,” Whitehead said.

Penner is thankful for the time he spent in Orono.

“It’s been awesome,” Penner said. “I’m really going to miss it. I’m really going to miss my teammates.”