Larry Popein facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Larry Popein |
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| Born | August 11, 1930 Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada |
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| Died | February 7, 2020 (aged 89) Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada |
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| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) | ||
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb) | ||
| Position | Centre | ||
| Shot | Left | ||
| Played for | New York Rangers Oakland Seals |
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| Playing career | 1949–1970 | ||
Lawrence Thomas "The Pope" Popein (born August 11, 1930 – died February 7, 2020) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player and coach. He was known for his hard work and fearless playing style, especially during his time with the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Larry Popein's Hockey Journey
Larry Popein started his hockey adventure with the Moose Jaw Canucks in a junior league in Saskatchewan, Canada. He then joined the Vancouver Canucks in the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he really grew to love the city of Vancouver.
Playing in the NHL
In 1954, Larry's contract was bought by the New York Rangers, and he began his exciting career in the National Hockey League (NHL). Even though he was a bit smaller for a hockey player at 5 feet 9 inches tall and 170 pounds, Larry became known as a very tough, brave, and hard-working player. He was great at checking opponents and was a skilled passer. He was the quiet center on a strong line that included famous players like Andy Bathgate and Dean Prentice.
After playing for the Rangers for six years, Larry returned to the Vancouver Canucks for a while. He briefly came back to the NHL in the 1967-68 season, playing one year with the Oakland Seals. This was a time when the NHL was expanding, which gave many experienced players another chance to play in the league.
After Playing: Coaching and Scouting
After he stopped playing hockey, Larry Popein became a coach. He led the Omaha Knights team in the Central Hockey League. Later, he became an assistant coach for the New York Rangers. For a short time during the 1973–74 season, he was even the head coach of the Rangers for 41 games.
Larry later became the director of player development for the new Vancouver Canucks NHL team. In 1986, he joined the Calgary Flames as a scout, helping them find new talent until he retired in 1992.
In a book from 2009 called 100 Ranger Greats, Larry Popein was ranked as the 91st best player of the 901 New York Rangers players who had played for the team during its first 82 seasons. This shows how important he was to the team's history!
