Poolman played for the University of North Dakota in the National Collegiate Athletic Association for three seasons, leaving with a degree in economics by taking summer school classes. In his freshman season with the Fighting Hawks, Poolman was selected for the 2014-15 Academic All-Conference Team after earning a GPA of 3.0 or higher. He recorded his first collegiate goal on October 18 in a 3–1 win over Colorado College. He ended the 2014–15 season onepower play goal away from tying North Dakota's single-season record for a freshman defenseman. In his sophomore season, Poolman recorded a career high 24 points and 19 assists, which ranked fifth among NCHC defensemen. As a result, he was named to the NCAA Midwest Region All-Tournament Team. In his last year on the team, Poolman recorded a breakout season with a career high 30 points. He became the first defenseman from North Dakota to reach 30-points since 2010-11. During the week of March 6, he was named National Collegiate Hockey Conference Defenseman of the Week after recording a conference leading five points. At the conclusion of the season, Poolman was the recipient of multiple awards including AHCA/CCM All-America West First Team, All-NCHC First Team, and the inaugural NCHC Defensive Defenseman of the Year Award.
Professional
Poolman has drawn comparisons with Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien for his physical play, and ability to play both as a forward and as a defensemen. Having completed his junior season with the Fighting Hawks, Poolman ended his collegiate career in agreeing to a one-year, entry-level contract on March 31, 2017. Poolman made his NHL debut for the Winnipeg Jets on October 9, 2017, in a 5-2 win against the Edmonton Oilers. He recorded his first career NHL goal on December 23, 2017, against the New York Islanders. He was reassigned to the Jets American Hockey League affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, until January 24, 2018, when he was recalled to replaced an injured Shawn Matthias.
Personal life
Poolman was born to parents Mark and LeAnne. His father Mark was a hockey trainer for the Dubuque Fighting Saints and the University of North Dakota. His younger brother Colton also played for the University of North Dakota's Fighting Hawks and he has actually signed with the Calgary Flames.