Dan Kulai’s family moved to Ladysmith, BC, while he was still young. He immediately became involved in sports in general, and soccer in particular. Dan reputedly never tended goal without his lucky horseshoe hung on the net.

Later, Kulai’s coolness as a referee earned him a reputation as an outstanding international soccer official and he was still a referee of international caliber at the age of 60, when he reportedly ran the equivalent of 7.5 miles in one game during the 1967 Pan American Games in Winnipeg.

Kulai played inside forward for the Westminster Royals, the Canadian soccer champions in 1928. His superior playing skills helped the team win numerous awards during the season, but he was unable to play in the Dominion championship series. The 1928 Royals were voted “Team of the First Half Century” in 1950.

Kulai became goalie for the St. Saviour soccer team and the B.C. All Stars after suffering a knee injury in the 1938-39 season.

He refereed from 1942-67, including every top international local exhibition. In addition, he conducted numerous clinics, and instructed coaches, players, and spectators on the rules of soccer.

He was Director of the B.C. Soccer Referee’s Association in 1957-58, Vice–President from 1959-61, and Treasurer from 1966-78.

Kulai was the first Canadian named to the F.I.F.A. Referee’s list in 1958 (the world’s governing body for soccer). In 1961, he was selected to referee a World Cup qualifying match (Mexico vs. U.S.A.), becoming the first Canadian ever appointed to officiate a World Cup qualifying match.