Mike Lange, the Hall of Fame broadcaster whose distinctive voice and colorful goal calls became a defining feature of Pittsburgh Penguins hockey, has died at the age of 76. The team confirmed his passing on Wednesday but did not disclose the cause.
Known for his creativity and passion, Lange was widely regarded as one of the greatest play-by-play announcers in NHL history. His influence extended beyond Pittsburgh, as fans and fellow broadcasters admired his unique style and memorable expressions.
A Legendary Broadcaster Who Defined the Sound of Pittsburgh Penguins Hockey
Lange’s broadcasting journey began in the Western Hockey League before he first joined the Penguins in 1974. After a brief departure due to the team’s financial struggles, he returned in 1976 and remained with the organization for the next 46 years.
His voice became the backdrop to the Penguins’ transformation from an underwhelming franchise to a five-time Stanley Cup champion. His work was recognized in 2001 when he received the Foster Hewitt Award, earning him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame for his excellence in broadcasting.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Lange’s career was his ability to make every goal call feel like a moment of magic. His signature phrases, such as “It’s a hockey night in Pittsburgh,” “Elvis has left the building,” and “He beat him like a rented mule,” became legendary among Penguins fans.
When Pittsburgh clinched back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1992, Lange’s celebratory call—“Lord Stanley, Lord Stanley, get me the brandy”—cemented his place in hockey history. His voice was not just an accompaniment to Penguins games but a cherished part of their identity.
A Voice Beyond Hockey That Left a Lasting Impact on Sports and Entertainment
Lange’s influence reached far beyond the hockey rink. His unique commentary style was often imitated, with ESPN anchor Keith Olbermann adapting one of Lange’s famous lines for NHL highlight reels. In 1995, he made an appearance in the action movie Sudden Death, set during a fictional Stanley Cup Final in Pittsburgh, where he delivered some of his most iconic calls.
Whether in sports or entertainment, Lange’s impact was felt throughout the hockey world and beyond, making him a beloved figure in Pittsburgh and across the NHL.
After moving exclusively to radio in 2006, Lange continued calling games for three more Stanley Cup victories in 2009, 2016, and 2017 before retiring in 2021. His final years with the Penguins were celebrated by the team and fans, with a special tribute in October 2021 marking his 50th year in broadcasting.
Reflecting on his career, Lange expressed deep gratitude, saying, “I didn’t get cheated in my quest to do what I have always loved.” Though he may be gone, his voice and legacy will live on in the hearts of Penguins fans forever.