Larry Popein was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played as a center and a left winger. He was born on October 26, 1930, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Popein started his hockey career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the New Westminster Royals in 1949. He played for the Royals for three seasons before moving to the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1952.
Popein played for the New York Rangers for the majority of his NHL career, from 1952 to 1964. He was known for his defensive skills and was a key player on the Rangers' penalty-killing unit. Popein was also a solid offensive player, scoring 20 or more goals in four seasons. He was a member of the Rangers' 1955-56 team that reached the Stanley Cup Finals but lost to the Montreal Canadiens.
In 1964, Popein was traded to the Boston Bruins, where he played for two seasons before being traded to the Detroit Red Wings. He played for the Red Wings for one season before being traded back to the Rangers in 1967. Popein played his final NHL season with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1968-69.
After retiring from playing, Popein became a coach. He coached the Rangers' minor league affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons, from 1969 to 1971. He then became an assistant coach for the Rangers from 1971 to 1973 before being named head coach for the 1973-74 season. However, Popein was fired midway through the season after a poor start.
Overall, Popein played in 635 NHL games, scoring 140 goals and 202 assists for 342 points. He was a two-time NHL All-Star and won the Lady Byng Trophy in 1959 for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct. Popein was also known for his toughness and willingness to stand up for his teammates.
In conclusion, Larry Popein was a talented and versatile hockey player who had a successful NHL career. He was a key player on the Rangers' penalty-killing unit and was known for his defensive skills. Popein also had a solid offensive game and was a two-time NHL All-Star. After retiring from playing, he became a coach and had a brief stint as the Rangers' head coach. Popein's contributions to the game of hockey will not be forgotten.
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