The Penguins community came together to celebrate the life of Mike Lange.
Lange died at 76 years old Wednesday. The former play-by-play announcer was born in California but became synonymous with the Penguins when he started his career as the team’s play-by-play broadcaster in 1974. Lange became the Penguins’ voice for multiple generations until his retirement in 2021.
Pittsburgh on Thursday released a highlight video of Lange’s best calls and moments. Franchise legend Mario Lemieux released a statement as did team captain Sidney Crosby.
“Mike made such an impact on the Penguins franchise, and me personally as a player,” the statement read. “He welcomed me to Pittsburgh. It was the little things like words of encouragement at my stall after the media had left, a fist bump to acknowledge a big game or a wink for a special moment. He was so special and I am honored to have called Mike my friend.”
The respect and admiration were mutual as Lange was on hand for many of Crosby’s most iconic moments. Penguins fans will always remember Lange’s “Slap me silly, Sidney” call from the superstar’s first career NHL goal.
Lange’s tremendous legacy 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.
Featured image via Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images