Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan joined in to offer his condolences to Mike Lange’s family.
Lange died at the age of 76 on Wednesday. Pittsburgh and franchise legends like Sidney Crosby released statements honoring the broadcaster’s legacy. Sullivan was preparing for Team USA’s matchup against Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off final but ended his Thursday news conference with a touching tribute for Lange and his family.
“The last thing I’d like to do is acknowledge the legendary broadcaster Mike Lange from the Pittsburgh Penguins, who passed away yesterday,” Sullivan told reporters, per the Penguins. “Mike means a lot to the city of Pittsburgh. I know he means a lot to our players and our coaching staff in particular. Some of my greatest memories in hockey have Mike’s voice accompanied with those, and he certainly means the world to all of us in Pittsburgh. We wish his family thoughts and prayers. Mike will be missed in Pittsburgh.”
Lange spent 46 years as the Penguins’ play-by-play announcer. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame when he was awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 2001.
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