University of Minnesota Athletics
Men's Hockey
Karel Popper
- Title:
- Volunteer Goaltending Coach
Karel Popper completed his second overall season at the University of Minnesota in 2019-20 and his first overseeing both the men's and women's hockey programs as volunteer goaltending coach. Popper's first season with the Maroon & Gold focused exclusively on the women's program in 2018-19.
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Popper has accumulated an abundance of knowledge pertaining to the development of goaltenders from two distinct perspectives: coach and player.
Popper was a member of the coaching staff for the Ohio State women’s hockey team during the 2016-17 season as an assistant coach and goalie coach, producing goaltenders who earned AHCA All-America and All-WCHA honors.
Most recently, Popper served as the Director of Goaltending at Total Package Hockey in Detroit, Mich. He implemented a goaltending development program for Total Package Hockey, while being a lead mentor for goaltenders at the Detroit Center of Excellence. In addition, Popper assisted with goalie development for AAA level hockey teams in the Detroit area.
Popper has also been involved with USA Hockey as he assisted the skill expansion and development of goaltenders on a national scale. In June 2018, Popper attended the USA Hockey National Goaltending Development Summit in Plymouth, Mich., where he connected with and learned from other goalie development coaches and became educated in implementing the Goaltending Coach Development Program.
In addition to his time with the Gophers this season, Popper will also be a part of the staff at MEGA Goaltending, where he will facilitate the development of goaltenders throughout the Twin Cities metro area.
During his collegiate years, Popper played NCAA Division III hockey at Hamline University during the 2013-14 season. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Finance in 2016.
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Popper has accumulated an abundance of knowledge pertaining to the development of goaltenders from two distinct perspectives: coach and player.
Popper was a member of the coaching staff for the Ohio State women’s hockey team during the 2016-17 season as an assistant coach and goalie coach, producing goaltenders who earned AHCA All-America and All-WCHA honors.
Most recently, Popper served as the Director of Goaltending at Total Package Hockey in Detroit, Mich. He implemented a goaltending development program for Total Package Hockey, while being a lead mentor for goaltenders at the Detroit Center of Excellence. In addition, Popper assisted with goalie development for AAA level hockey teams in the Detroit area.
Popper has also been involved with USA Hockey as he assisted the skill expansion and development of goaltenders on a national scale. In June 2018, Popper attended the USA Hockey National Goaltending Development Summit in Plymouth, Mich., where he connected with and learned from other goalie development coaches and became educated in implementing the Goaltending Coach Development Program.
In addition to his time with the Gophers this season, Popper will also be a part of the staff at MEGA Goaltending, where he will facilitate the development of goaltenders throughout the Twin Cities metro area.
During his collegiate years, Popper played NCAA Division III hockey at Hamline University during the 2013-14 season. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Finance in 2016.
Highlights: Gophers 3, Michigan Tech 5
Saturday, October 04
Highlights: Gophers 6, Michigan Tech 3
Friday, October 03
CCM Jersey Reveal
Wednesday, September 10
2025-26 Non-Conference Schedule
Monday, August 11
