PITTSBURGH (AP) — The passing of the iconic Hall of Fame broadcaster, Mike Lange, has left a profound void in the hearts of Pittsburgh Penguin fans. With his distinctive voice and imaginative goal calls, Lange became a legendary figure in the hockey world, captivating audiences for decades. He was 76 when he passed away, the team confirmed the sad news on Wednesday without disclosing the cause of death.
Known as a master wordsmith and a magician behind the mic, Lange’s impact on the sport went far beyond just narrating games. The Penguins hailed him as a unique talent who had the ability to make even the biggest names in hockey sound more enchanting with his voice alone. Former Penguin and longtime colleague, Phil Bourque, described Lange as one of the most kind, loyal, and loving individuals he had ever encountered.
Lange’s illustrious career spanned close to fifty years, during which he chronicled the Penguins’ journey from underdogs to five-time Stanley Cup champions. His quirky sayings and unparalleled delivery were the backdrop to memorable moments featuring hockey greats like Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, Sidney Crosby, and Evgeni Malkin.
The Hockey Hall of Fame recognized Lange’s contributions in 2001 when he was awarded the prestigious Foster Hewitt Award for broadcast excellence. From his iconic catchphrases like “It’s a hockey night in Pittsburgh” to the famous “he beat him like a rented mule,” Lange’s unique style and expressions made him instantly recognizable to fans everywhere.
Pittsburgh’s triumph over Chicago in 1992 for the Stanley Cup led to one of Lange’s most memorable call-outs when he exclaimed on the team’s radio network, “Lord Stanley, Lord Stanley, get me the brandy.” Born in Sacramento, California in 1948, Lange’s broadcasting career began in the Western Hockey League before he joined the Penguins in 1974, returning for good in 1976.
Lange remained a constant presence in the Penguins’ broadcasting team for three decades, never missing a game as the team solidified its place as one of the NHL’s premier clubs. His signature calls were so iconic that they were often imitated by sportscasters, with Keith Olbermann putting his own spin on Lange’s phrases during NHL highlight reels.
In a testament to his widespread popularity, Lange even made an appearance in the 1995 film “Sudden Death,” where he showcased his unique commentary during a fictional Stanley Cup match between the Penguins and the Chicago Blackhawks. Transitioning to full-time radio in 2006, Lange continued to be the voice of the Penguins during their Stanley Cup victories in 2009, 2016, and 2017 before retiring in August 2021 after an illustrious 46-year career.
The Penguins paid tribute to Lange in October of the same year, marking his 50th year in broadcasting
