Birthdate: Jan 25, 1965
Birthplace: Helsinki, Finland
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 200 lbs
Tikkanen comes from the same city that Jari Kurri does. Not quite as successful, Esa still plays a solid game. With Edmonton he's had a 30-goal season. Now, he's around 20 goals a season. He's successful because has a rare combination; finesse and strength.
Tikkanen can play all three forward positions with skill. However, he takes a more defensive approach to the game. He still digs around in the corners, though, and he digs well. He is used mostly as a penalty killer, where he constantly hits the ice to block shots, hooks, holds, and covers a player with ease.
He is a great hitter, despite his average size. He'll hurl himself at anybody, whether it be Theo Fleury or Matthew Barnaby. He's a master at the hit-and-run, leaving opponents stunned on the ice.