They backstopped the University of Maine to its first NCAA hockey championship in 1992-93.

And they could be reunited.

Garth Snow, who recently went from being the New York Islanders’ backup goalie to their general manager, said his former Black Bear goaltending partner Mike Dunham is being considered for the Islanders’ backup goaltending job behind Rick DiPietro.

Dunham is an unrestricted free agent.

“He’s on the board [of possibilities]. We have a vacancy. The backup goalie we had last year didn’t play up to par. So we [ditched] him,” quipped Snow, who was referring to himself.

The 34-year-old Dunham spent an injury-marred 2005-2006 season with the Atlanta Thrashers, compiling an 8-5 record with two overtime losses, a 2.77 goals-against average and a .893 save percentage.

Dunham has had a 375-game NHL career with four teams. He has a career record of 137-168-39, a 2.69 GAA, a .909 save percentage and 19 shutouts.

Snow has been on the job for 12 days after Islanders owner Charles Wang shocked the hockey world by firing GM Neil Smith less than a month into Smith’s tenure.

“For the first five days, I had to pinch myself. But I’m beginning to settle in now,” said the 36-year-old Snow. “It’s a great honor to be the GM. I’m surrounded by some great people. [Coach] Ted Nolan was a former Coach of the Year [with the Buffalo Sabres]. [Director of Player Development] Bryan Trottier’s place in the history of the Islanders’ organization speaks for itself.

“Ken Morrow is a wealth of information,” added Snow, referring to the former 1980 U.S. Olympian and Islanders defenseman who is the director of pro scouting. “This is the best situation I could have ever asked for.”

It is important for the coach and general manager to be on the same page and Snow said that has been the case.

“Ted has been great. Our communication has been unbelievable. He tells me what he needs for players and I’m trying to get them so we can fill the spots we have open,” said Snow.

He knows he will be closely scrutinized by the New York media but isn’t concerned.

“They’re probably a little bit skeptical but once I prove I can do the job, I’ll win their acceptance over time,” said Snow. “It’s [the pressure] no different than being a goalie in the Olympics, the Stanley Cup finals or the NCAA’s Final Four.”

He said his phone “rings off the hook” and his days are long.

He said the late Shawn Walsh, who coached him at Maine, “instilled in me the importance of being organized and that communication is huge. Those are the most important traits for a general manager.”

He said his outgoing personality is one of the major reasons he got the job.

“I can relate to players, I’m honest and I’m hard working,” said Snow, who wrote an open letter to Islanders fans on the team’s Web site, thanking them for their support during his playing days and asking them to support him and the team this season. He also set up an e-mail address so they can send him questions and comments.

Snow said Wang will “spare no expense to put a winning team on the ice” and he is confident the Islanders can return to the playoffs after missing them for the first time in four years last season.