Jim Montgomery has no difficulty picturing Garth Snow sitting in the general manager’s chair for the National Hockey League’s New York Islanders.

After spending four years together at the University of Maine, Montgomery has witnessed Snow’s savvy in setting himself up for success.

“He’s really good at negotiating anything in life,” Montgomery said. “On the first tee, he’s going to negotiate a 28 handicap when he’s an 18 handicap.”

Snow, 36, retired Tuesday after 12 seasons as an NHL goaltender to move into the front office of the organization for which he played from 2001-04 and again last season.

“Garth is one of the cheapest guys I’ve ever been around. He’s going to be nickel-and-diming these NHL superstars to death,” said Montgomery who, despite poking fun at his friend, praised his abilities.

“He’s an extremely bright and talented young man,” he added. “He’s a great influence to have around people. He’s professional and does things the right way. I think they saw those traits in him.”

Snow, who as a senior in 1993 helped UMaine capture its first NCAA hockey championship, is described as a highly motivated individual who has a keen wit and a high hockey IQ.

“I’m surprised, but not surprised, that he got this opportunity,” said UMaine head coach Tim Whitehead, who was an assistant with the Bears during Snow’s sophomore season in 1990-91.

“He’s a very bright young man and very articulate,” Whitehead offered. “He has tons of experience in the game and he has a competitive fire which will help him a lot.”

Snow joins former UMaine defenseman Dave Nonis of the Vancouver Canucks in the NHL’s GM ranks.

Snow, a native of Wrentham, Mass., arrived at UMaine in 1988 as a walk-on, but worked his way into the rotation and shared goaltending duties with Mike Dunham during the Bears’ 42-1-2 title season.

Snow, a sixth-round pick of the Quebec Nordiques in 1987, played in seven games for Colorado over two seasons before spending three seasons in Philadelphia, two in Vancouver and one with Pittsburgh before joining the Islanders in 2001.

“He knows the organization. He knows the players. It’s a perfect fit for him,” said UMaine women’s hockey coach Guy Perron, who was a senior during Snow’s freshman season at UMaine (1988-89). “He’s really good with people. He’s a good communicator.”

Snow’s primary duties with the Islanders are expected to include handling trades and overseeing pro scouting. Former UMaine assistant coach Campbell Blair, who also played at UMaine with Snow, believes Snow’s extensive experience as an NHL goalie should help him make the transition to the front office.

“There will be a learning curve for Garth,” Blair said. “He’ll be able to get guys to play with heart and passion.

“Being a backup goalie, he’s had a chance to watch the game and how things have transpired,” he added.

Whitehead, who while at UMaine witnessed Snow’s emergence, is confident his work ethic will be evident in the GM’s office.

“Anything he might lack in experience right now he’ll make up for with enthusiasm,” Whitehead said. “Garth is one of those rare individuals that whatever he pours his heart into, he’s going to succeed.”

Snow is among the UMaine hockey alumni who remain connected and committed to the program. Whitehead said Snow made a significant donation toward the completion of the Shawn Walsh Hockey Center.

He was in Orono last summer for the alumni golf tournament and played in the 2005 alumni game, racking up five points while playing defense.

“We’re very proud here at Maine that he had such a great career here and has remained so loyal to us,” Whitehead said. “He’s a real good person.”

Snow is tied with Scott King for first place on UMaine’s career victories list with 66 and owns the mark for won-lost percentage (.854) and assists by a goalie (10). He ranks fourth all-time in goals-against average (2.55) and is fifth in games played (84).

Snow was a member of the U.S. Olympic team in 1994 and was a two-time, All-Hockey East second-team goalie.

BDN sportswriter Larry Mahoney contributed to this report.