Poul Popiel

Poul Peter Popiel (born February 28, 1943) is a Danish-American former professional ice hockey defenceman who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) and World Hockey Association (WHA), and also served as a head coach in the minor leagues. He played all six of his WHA seasons with the Houston Aeros. Following a brief 12 games in the International Hockey League (IHL) with the Muskegon Mohawks, he retired and became the head coach. Popiel and Garry Peters were co-winners of the inaugural Ken McKenzie Trophy as Central Professional Hockey League rookies of the year in 1963-64. His younger brother Jan Popiel is also a former professional hockey player.

Popiel was the first Danish-born player in the National Hockey League. Popiel's family moved to Canada in 1951 when he was a child, and subsequently moved to the United States and he acquired American citizenship before making his NHL debut.

Awards Poul Popiel (pictured in 1974) played in 467 total games for the WHA. Ken McKenzie Trophy Played in WHA All-Star Game (1974, 1975, 1977)

Career statistics

Coaching statistics Season Team League GP W L W% 1981–82 Muskegon Mohawks IHL 55 24 30 0.445