Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Winter 2020
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/26/2020
The Houston Aeros already had two Avco Cup titles as World Hockey Association champions to their credit when veteran defenseman Poul Popiel wore this alternate captain’s road jersey during the 1976-77 season. Popiel, the NHL’s first Danish-born player, was an inaugural member of the Aeros, the team that became renowned for enticing Gordie Howe to come out of retirement to play with his two sons, Mark and Marty for the Houston franchise’s second season, the team’s first of consecutive championship campaigns. The “A” is sewn on the left breast of Popiel’s No. 6 game-worn jersey, a blue durene affair with white twill stars sewn on each shoulder that has Rawlings size 48 tagging in the back of the neck and a garter-style fight strap.
“P. Popiel” is spelled out in sewn-on white twill letters on the nameplate, which is a different stretchy knit material than the jersey itself. Game wear shows in solid board burns on the lower right sleeve along with a small hole in a longer fabric run. There are more board burns on the lower left sleeve, which has a spot of red paint transfer, and a big diagonal board burn with light blue paint transfer on the right rear tail. There is a solid board burn on each shoulder. The bottom portion of the white twill No. 6 on the back has a few black marks and there is a bit of blue paint transfer in the upper right side of the number. The front of the jersey has black marks on the upper portion, above the cascading “Aeros” spelled out in individual white twill letters, including a mark through the white twill “A” on the left breast, and on the front tail. The light blue knit collar displays some yellowish staining, likely from perspiration. There are spots of reddish-brown stains on the rear tail. There is an unexplained sheen to a rectangular area adjacent to the alternate captain’s A that feels like possible adhesive residue.
Popiel’s 68 points in 1976-77 tied him for fourth on the Aeros with Gordie Howe. He spent his entire WHA career with Houson, amassing 62 goals and 265 assists for 327 points, playing in 467 of the Aeros’ 474 regular season games during their six-year existence. Popiel had 54 points (7 goals, 47 assists) in 71 playoff games with Houston. He had 54 points (13 goals, 41 assists) in 224 NHL games with Boston, L.A., Detroit, Vancouver and Edmonton.
By clicking this button, you will IMMEDIATELY bid the amount selected.
By clicking this button, you will submit this amount as your MAXIMUM (absentee) bid. The auction software will place bids on your behalf up to this amount only as it is bid against competitively by other bidder(s).