Pittsburgh Mourns Loss of Legendary Broadcaster Mike Lange

PITTSBURGH — Mike Lange, the iconic voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins, passed away at his home on Wednesday. He was 76 years old.

Lange’s broadcasting career with the Penguins spanned 46 years, making him a treasured figure in Pittsburgh sports history. He stepped down from broadcasting before the 2021-22 season due to health issues but remained synonymous with the franchise’s most significant moments.

<p"He’s just a great man, and you automatically associate his voice with our team,” said Penguins captain Sidney Crosby upon Lange’s retirement in 2021. “The passion and expression he used to describe things are just so original to him. His calls will always be linked with the great memories.”

Born in Sacramento, California, Lange first joined the Penguins in 1974, after a brief stint with the San Diego Gulls. He became a fixture in the Pittsburgh community with his vibrant personality and uniquely colorful goal calls, which lifted the spirits of many fans through both lean seasons and championship triumphs.

The broadcaster’s memorable phrases, often called “Langeisms,” included gems like “Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has just left the building” and “Michael, Michael Motorcycle.” His voice was the backdrop as fans celebrated the franchise’s five Stanley Cup championships, including the moment he jubilantly announced their first victory in 1991.

In 2001, Lange was inducted into the broadcaster’s wing of the Hockey Hall of Fame, an acknowledgment of his profound impact on the sport. His ability to connect with both players and fans was unparalleled. Mario Lemieux, another Penguins great, shared a close bond with Lange, and their mutual admiration defined an era of Pittsburgh hockey.

“His goal calls are synonymous with so many of my biggest moments on the ice,” said Lemieux. “Mike brought hockey to life in Pittsburgh.”

Lange’s legacy is characterized not only by his vocal talent but by the friendships he built within the team. In recent years, he maintained relationships with Penguins broadcast talents like Josh Getzoff and Steve Mears, offering guidance and advice to the next generation of commentators.

Phil Bourque, Lange’s last broadcasting partner, described him as a close friend and mentor. “Mike wrote the book on broadcasting; he was my inspiration,” Bourque said. “He was always happy to share his knowledge and passion for the game.”

As the city mourns Lange’s passing, the Penguins organization honored him in 2019 by naming the media level of their arena after him. His influence on the team’s culture and the sport in Pittsburgh will never be forgotten.

“Mike’s voice was the heartbeat of our franchise,” said current Penguins general manager Ron Hextall. “He will always be a part of who we are.”