Poul Popiel


Poul Peter Popiel is a Danish-American former professional ice hockey defenceman who played in the National Hockey League and World Hockey Association, and also served as a head coach in the minor leagues. Following a brief 12 games in the International Hockey League 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.

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