Mike Lange, legendary broadcaster and voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins was confirmed dead on Wednesday. He was 76 years old.
Lange was known for his catchphrases and had been working as the voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins for 46 years before he retired.
“The Penguins organization joins the family, friends, and fans of legendary broadcaster Mike Lange as we mourn his passing and remember his remarkable life,” the Penguins said in a statement.
“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 more magical with just his voice.
“Mike was so much more than a legendary broadcaster. He was respected by the players and the coaches and beloved by the fans. Because of him, hockey nights in Pittsburgh had the entire city, ‘smilin’ like a butcher’s dog.’”
Lange had worked as a sports broadcaster on radio before he worked on the Penguins television broadcasts.
“The NHL is saddened by the passing of long-time Penguins play-by-play broadcaster Mike Lange, recipient of the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Foster Hewitt Award in 2001 for outstanding contributions to his profession,” the League said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with his family and his many friends in the game.”
