Feb. 20 (UPI) — Broadcaster Mike Lange, who called Pittsburgh Penguins games for 46 years, has died, the team announced. He was 76.
No cause of death was given for Lange, who died Wednesday in Pittsburgh.
“Mike was a wordsmith — a magician behind the mic,” the Penguins said in a statement. “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 playas set him apart from other announcers. Only Mike could make the biggest names in hockey seem more magical with just his voice.”
Lange, a 2001 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, started his tenure as the Penguins radio announcer in 1974. Lange left the Penguins for one season, but returned in 1976-77, starting a run that spanned five decades. The Penguins won five Stanley Cups during that span, with Lange delivering a soundtrack for the success.
“Mike was a Penguins legend and one of the most important figures in franchise history,” Penguins legend Mario Lemieux said. “It was my honor to have him call virtually every goal in my career and play a key role in all five of our Stanley Cup championships.
“Mike was a one-of-a-kind broadcaster, a tremendous ambassador for the city of Pittsburgh, and, most importantly, a great friend. He will be missed.”
Lange was known for his energetic commentary and catchphrases, including “Elvis has left the building” and “It’s a hockey night in Pittsburgh.”
The Sacramento native, who called Western Hockey League games before his long tenure with the Penguins, retired in 2021. He didn’t miss a single broadcast from 1976 through 2006. He also called several Pittsburgh Pirates games.
“We lost one of the kindest, most loyal and loving humans I’ve ever met,” Phil Bourque, Lange’s former radio booth parter, wrote on X. “‘Mikey'” Lange’s voice and passion with stay with us forever.”
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