Born in Iowa, Poolman grew up in East Grand Forks, Minnesota where he played for the local high school hockey team.

[5] Poolman played for the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for three seasons, leaving with a degree in economics by taking summer school classes.

[6] In his freshman season with the Fighting Hawks, Poolman was selected for the 2014–15 Academic All-Conference Team after earning a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

[8] He ended the 2014–15 season one power play goal away from tying North Dakota's single-season record for a freshman defenseman.

[13] Having completed his junior season with the Fighting Hawks, Poolman ended his collegiate career in agreeing to a one-year, entry-level contract on March 31, 2017.

[17] He was reassigned to the Jets' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, until January 24, 2018, when he was recalled to replace an injured Shawn Matthias.

[19][31] As an unrestricted free agent following four seasons within the Jets organization, Poolman was signed to a four-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks on July 28, 2021.

[32] He made his Canucks debut on opening night for the 2021–22 season on October 13, he was paired with Quinn Hughes in a 3–2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers.

[33][34] He registered his first point with Vancouver on October 21 assisting on Conor Garland's third period goal in a 4–1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.

[44] His younger brother Colton also played for the University of North Dakota's Fighting Hawks and is currently signed with the Calgary Flames.

[45] Poolman is a practising Christian and previously gathered with former teammates Mark Scheifele, Josh Morrissey, and Adam Lowry to pray and talk.