Mike Lange, the iconic Pittsburgh Penguins broadcaster and Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 76.
The Post-Gazette reports the Penguins announced his death in a statement that evening, describing Lange as a “wordsmith,” a “maestro of the microphone,” and the “epitome of a Pittsburgher.”
Over his 46 seasons as the Penguins’ play-by-play announcer, Lange narrated nearly every pivotal moment in the franchise’s illustrious history, including the calls for all five Stanley Cup victories. His legendary career spanned Mario Lemieux’s journey from superstar player to team owner, encompassed the Jaromir Jagr years, and extended well into the eras of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Lange brought fans into the heart of the game with his remarkable knack for anticipating plays, sharp humor, colorful descriptions, and, naturally, his unforgettable catchphrases.
- “It’s a hockey night in Pittsburgh!”
- “He’s smiling like a butcher’s dog!”
- “Slap me silly, Sidney!”
- “Make me a milkshake, Malkin!”
A great broadcaster builds a reciprocal bond with their audience, and Lange took this connection to another level with his phrases. He invited fans to send him ideas, storing them in a shoebox and selecting the finest ones for the most triumphant moments.
Arguably his most iconic line: “Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has just left the building!”
The Penguins organization joins the family, friends and fans of legendary broadcaster Mike Lange as we mourn his passing and remember his remarkable life. pic.twitter.com/UzQ2KREeWQ
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 20, 2025
Lange stepped away from the radio booth in 2021, having sat out most of the 2020-21 season as a precaution during the pandemic. That year, he reflected on how the time away from the rink prompted thoughts of life after broadcasting, noting he would consider retirement at season’s end.
No comments:
Post a Comment