Longtime Penguins broadcaster Mike Lange passed away on Wednesday at 76 years old.
Mr. Lange served as the Penguins’ television play-by-play broadcaster from 1976 through 2006, and the radio broadcaster from 2006 until 2021, when he retired after 50 years in broadcasting due to ongoing health concerns.
The Penguins confirmed Mr. Lange's passing with a statement saying "Mike Lange was a wordsmith— a magician behind the mic. 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 plays set him apart from other announcers. Only Mike could make the biggest names in hockey seem even more magical with just his voice.
"Mike was so much more than a legendary broadcaster," the statement continued. "He was respected by the players and coaches and beloved by the fans. Because of him, Hockey Nights in Pittsburgh had the entire city 'smilin’ like a butcher’s dog.'"
Mario Lemieux released a statement of his own, saying "Mike was a Penguins legend and one of the most important figures in franchise history. 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."
Phil Bourque, who spent time as Mr. Lange's partner in the broadcasting booth, wrote on Twitter that "we lost one of the kindest, most loyal and loving humans I’ve ever met. 'Mikey' Lange’s voice and passion will stay with us forever!"
The Penguins renamed their press box the “Mike Lange Media Level” in 2019, with a mural of photos of Mr. Lange being the first thing one sees upon stepping into the press box. He received the Hockey Hall of Fame's Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 2001, an award voted on by the NHL Broadcasters' Association that recognizes those who have made "outstanding contributions" in hockey broadcasting.
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THE ASYLUM
Taylor Haase
2:58 am - 02.20.2025BostonMike Lange, 1948-2025
Longtime Penguins broadcaster Mike Lange passed away on Wednesday at 76 years old.
Mr. Lange served as the Penguins’ television play-by-play broadcaster from 1976 through 2006, and the radio broadcaster from 2006 until 2021, when he retired after 50 years in broadcasting due to ongoing health concerns.
The Penguins confirmed Mr. Lange's passing with a statement saying "Mike Lange was a wordsmith— a magician behind the mic. 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 plays set him apart from other announcers. Only Mike could make the biggest names in hockey seem even more magical with just his voice.
"Mike was so much more than a legendary broadcaster," the statement continued. "He was respected by the players and coaches and beloved by the fans. Because of him, Hockey Nights in Pittsburgh had the entire city 'smilin’ like a butcher’s dog.'"
Mario Lemieux released a statement of his own, saying "Mike was a Penguins legend and one of the most important figures in franchise history. 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."
Phil Bourque, who spent time as Mr. Lange's partner in the broadcasting booth, wrote on Twitter that "we lost one of the kindest, most loyal and loving humans I’ve ever met. 'Mikey' Lange’s voice and passion will stay with us forever!"
The Penguins renamed their press box the “Mike Lange Media Level” in 2019, with a mural of photos of Mr. Lange being the first thing one sees upon stepping into the press box. He received the Hockey Hall of Fame's Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 2001, an award voted on by the NHL Broadcasters' Association that recognizes those who have made "outstanding contributions" in hockey broadcasting.
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