Ahead of the Penguins' Saturday matinee against the Capitals, the team honored the memory and legacy of Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Lange, who passed away Wednesday at age 76.
A near-capacity crowd was seated well before the puck dropped for the ceremony, which was mostly illuminated by the phones of those in the arena.
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
On the ice, Mr. Lange's two sons and their families were accompanied by Joe Brand, Josh Getzoff, Eddie Olczyk, Paul Steigerwald and Phil Bourque, five broadcasters that worked alongside Mr. Lange, along with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang.
It's probably good that nobody was asked to say anything because there weren't many dry eyes on the ice. The only spoken words heard throughout the pregame ceremony, outside of public address announcer Ryan Mill, were a few yells of, "Thank you, Mike."
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
The ceremony featured multiple video tributes to Mr. Lange's work throughout his 46-year career with the Penguins, featuring some of his best calls. In addition, Crosby, Mike Sullivan, Bryan Rust and others recounted their favorites of the many iconic lines coined by Mr. Lange:
The Penguins' tribute to Mr. Lange also included a press box dedicated solely to him, featuring an easel with his picture, a bouquet of yellow roses and the vintage headset he'd wear throughout his career:
CHRIS HALICKE / DKPS
Fans had their opportunity to pay tribute to Mr. Lange, as memorials were displayed inside the arena, featuring the same roses and headset as the display in the press box. Many fans also brought homemade signs with a variety of Mr. Lange's lines.
The tribute continued into the game played between the Penguins and Capitals. Pictures of Mr. Lange were shown on the video board throughout the game, and both teams wore decals on their helmets to pay tribute to his memory:
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
WASHINGTON CAPITALS
In between periods, more of Mr. Lange's best calls were synced up with memorable highlights throughout the franchise's history. That included, during the second intermission, each of the calls when the Penguins won each of their five Stanley Cups.
It wasn't a long ceremony, but it and the moments consistently played throughout the afternoon properly honored the memory of one of the most impactful people in franchise history.
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THE ASYLUM
Chris Halicke
9:56 pm - 02.22.2025UptownLange's legacy, family honored
"You would have to be here to believe it."
Ahead of the Penguins' Saturday matinee against the Capitals, the team honored the memory and legacy of Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Lange, who passed away Wednesday at age 76.
A near-capacity crowd was seated well before the puck dropped for the ceremony, which was mostly illuminated by the phones of those in the arena.
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
On the ice, Mr. Lange's two sons and their families were accompanied by Joe Brand, Josh Getzoff, Eddie Olczyk, Paul Steigerwald and Phil Bourque, five broadcasters that worked alongside Mr. Lange, along with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang.
It's probably good that nobody was asked to say anything because there weren't many dry eyes on the ice. The only spoken words heard throughout the pregame ceremony, outside of public address announcer Ryan Mill, were a few yells of, "Thank you, Mike."
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
The ceremony featured multiple video tributes to Mr. Lange's work throughout his 46-year career with the Penguins, featuring some of his best calls. In addition, Crosby, Mike Sullivan, Bryan Rust and others recounted their favorites of the many iconic lines coined by Mr. Lange:
The Penguins' tribute to Mr. Lange also included a press box dedicated solely to him, featuring an easel with his picture, a bouquet of yellow roses and the vintage headset he'd wear throughout his career:
CHRIS HALICKE / DKPS
Fans had their opportunity to pay tribute to Mr. Lange, as memorials were displayed inside the arena, featuring the same roses and headset as the display in the press box. Many fans also brought homemade signs with a variety of Mr. Lange's lines.
The tribute continued into the game played between the Penguins and Capitals. Pictures of Mr. Lange were shown on the video board throughout the game, and both teams wore decals on their helmets to pay tribute to his memory:
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
WASHINGTON CAPITALS
In between periods, more of Mr. Lange's best calls were synced up with memorable highlights throughout the franchise's history. That included, during the second intermission, each of the calls when the Penguins won each of their five Stanley Cups.
It wasn't a long ceremony, but it and the moments consistently played throughout the afternoon properly honored the memory of one of the most impactful people in franchise history.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
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