When you see youngsters in replica University of Maine hockey jerseys at Black Bear games, it’s a safe assumption they aspire to play for Maine. Bangor’s Derek Damon was one of those kids and he went on to have a productive four-year career as a Black Bear.

Now it is Nick Payson’s turn.

The Veazie native and former Bangor High School star, who has spent the last two years playing for the Portland Junior Pirates’ Junior A team, will be with the Black Bears this season.

He may redshirt and just practice with the team. Or he could find himself in the lineup.

Payson will be one of only 15 forwards on the roster. There will be eight returnees and seven newcomers.

“I’m definitely going to work as hard as I can and hope I make the roster. If not, I’ll keep my head up, keep working hard and prepare for [the] next season,” said Payson.

“This has been a lifelong dream. Growing up, I always wanted to play for Maine,” said Payson. “Now that I’m at Maine, I need to set higher goals and keep on going from there.”

Initially, Payson was expected to play three years of junior hockey before attending Maine.

He was going to play for the South Shore Kings in the Eastern Junior Hockey League this season but he discussed the situation with Maine head coach Tim Whitehead and assistant Dan Kerluke and “we all kind of agreed that I would get more out of redshirting and learning all the systems at Maine. My game would accelerate a lot faster.

“I haven’t stopped smiling since we made the decision,” said the 19-year-old Payson, who had also tried out for two U.S. Hockey League teams.

Payson and his family will foot the bill for at least his first season but he doesn’t mind.

“Scholarships aren’t handed out freely. You’ve got to earn them. I’m willing to work for it,” said Payson.

Payson was a scoring machine at Bangor High, collecting 43 goals and 28 assists in 23 games to lead all Class A scorers his junior year.

Feeling he needed to play better competition and more games, he passed up his senior year to spend two years with the Junior Pirates.

He had 12 goals and 25 assists in 34 games in 2005-2006 and 21 & 17 in 37 games last season.

“I definitely loved my experience in Portland,” said Payson. “Jay [Pecora] and Sean [O’Brien] are two great guys and great coaches. They helped me out. I was able to develop and I learned a lot more. It got me to where I needed to be now.

“My game has improved a lot. I’ve gotten a lot stronger and I’m thinking the game more from a defensive [standpoint] than offensive.”

Payson will be reunited with former Bangor High coach Kerluke, an assistant at Maine.

“He’s an unbelievable coach and person. He has taught me a lot and guided me,” said Payson.

There’s a decent chance the 6-foot, 205-pound Payson will crack the lineup this season.

Payson, who ran for 1,588 yards on 280 carries his junior year at Bangor, will be one of the Bears’ strongest forwards physically thanks to his football background.

Even though it will be a huge adjustment, he’s a good skater who can win loose pucks and score goals.

He has the right attitude and, with the exception of seniors Billy Ryan, Keenan Hopson, Wes Clark and Rob Bellamy, all the other forward slots will be up for grabs.

He could be a useful third- or fourth liner this season.

Larry Mahoney can be reached at 990-8231, 1-800-310-8600 or by email at lmahoney@bangordailynews.net.