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 and the World Hockey Association, and later served as a head coach in the minor leagues. Born in Denmark, Popiel moved with his family to Canada in 1951 as a child, later settled in the United States, and acquired American citizenship before his NHL debut, becoming the first Danish-born player in the National Hockey League.

He shared the inaugural Ken McKenzie Trophy with Garry Peters as co-winners of the award for Central Professional Hockey League rookie of the year in 1963-64. Popiel played all six of his WHA seasons with the Houston Aeros and appeared in the WHA All-Star Game in 1974, 1975, and 1977. He closed out his playing career with a brief 12-game stint in the International Hockey League with the Muskegon Mohawks, after which he retired and became a head coach.

His younger brother, Jan Popiel, was also a professional hockey player.