Interview with Dean Tiltgen

by Anne Adams
November 23, 2000 - ECHL (ECHL)

by Anne Adams

(This is the second in a series of interviews with ECHL players in the Southern Conference)

Dean Tiltgen's hockey career started back on his parents' farm, when he was all of three years old. His dad used to throw water on the back lawn in Ponoka, Alberta , and when it froze over, all of the kids would skate and eventually learn to play hockey.

Currently, Dean is in his fourth professional season of hockey and second season with the East Coast Hockey League's Augusta Lynx. Dean had a strong first season with the Lynx, and finished tied for the club lead with 31 goals. Originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the 8th round of the 1992 NHL Entry draft, this 6' 195 lb, 26 year old defenseman joined the training camp for the Sabres in the ‘93 and ‘94 but due to serious knee and shoulder injuries did not continue with the team.

Dean's family still resides in Ponoka, where his mom owns and operates a women's clothing store, and dad runs a real estate company there. Dean's parents and younger brother manage to visit Dean two to three times a season to see him play. In the off season, Dean resides in Edmonton.

When I sat with Dean Tiltgen for this interview it was apparent that this very private individual is focused on only one thing this season, and that is the championship. He explained that the organization is led by great owners and management staff and that they were dedicated to giving the players what they need to win. Dean cited a great bus for travel, excellent accommodations on the road, and when necessary, the owners even flew the team to playoff games last year. When I asked Dean what he expected from the Lynx this year, he stated, "More than any personal success, I'd like the championship for the Lynx. The team has some older experienced players, and we are here to win."

The Augusta Lynx are now in their third year of existence, and Dean explained that although hockey is a difficult game to follow if you did not grow up with it, like most Canadians, the Augusta fans were extremely enthusiastic, and that the Booster Club was very active and supportive of the players.

Off the ice, Dean likes to play golf, trains for 2 to 3 hours a day, and likes to be with his friends at home, enjoying the simple things in life, such as a bar-b-que in the back yard. With a quick smile Dean added he would prefer to let his buddies do the cooking. He does have some friends playing hockey in Europe and hopes to visit them in the near future as well. Although the life of a professional hockey player is sometimes very glamorous, Dean explained that it was fun and very rewarding, but it is not easy. Therefore his private time was precious to him, a philosophy he inherited from his parents.

On the ice, Dean Tiltgen, nicknamed "Tilly" wears #9 for the Augusta Lynx. He has worn that number all through minor hockey, first year of junior hockey (with the exception of a 10 game stretch when he wore #25) and all four years in professional hockey. When asked why, Dean told me that Wayne Gretsky had worn #9 as a kid, and Gordie Howe wore it, too.

ECHL Stories from November 23, 2000

• Interview with Dean Tiltgen - OSC Original by Anne Adams

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