Penguins Release Statement Following Death Of Legendary Broadcaster Mike Lange

Legendary Pittsburgh Penguins broadcaster Mike Lange died at age 76 on Wednesday.

Lange became synonymous with the Penguins due to his 46 years as the voice of the team on television and radio. Lange called all five of Pittsburgh’s Stanley Cup titles before retiring prior to the 2021-22 season.

The Penguins mourned the loss of Lange, who was known for his “unique one-liners and knack for anticipating game-changing plays.” The Penguins released a heartfelt statement on Lange following his death:

“Mike Lange was a wordsmith, a magician behind the mic. The Californian quickly became a quintessential Pittsburgher and his colorful calls and smooth cadence brought Penguins hockey to life. The Hall-of-Famer’s voice is synonymous with the biggest calls in franchise history, including all five Stanley Cup championships and his unique one-liners and knack for anticipating game-changing plays set him apart from other announcers. Only Mike could make the biggest names in hockey seem even more magical with just his voice. Mike was so much more than a legendary broadcaster. He was respected by the players and coaches and beloved by the fans. Because of him, Hockey Nights in Pittsburgh had the entire city ‘smilin’ like a butcher’s dog.'”

Lange’s tremendous legacy certainly will live on as he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001 with the Foster Hewitt Award. The Penguins also named the press box at PPG Paints Arena in Lange’s honor in 2019, calling it the Mike Lange Media Level.