The sports world is in mourning as news spreads of the passing of Mike Lange, the legendary voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins, at the age of 76. For nearly five decades, Lange’s imaginative calls and raspy voice were synonymous with Penguins hockey, chronicling the team’s rise from perennial also-ran to five-time Stanley Cup champion.
Lange’s impact on the franchise and the sport as a whole cannot be overstated. His unique catchphrases and colorful commentary made him a beloved figure among fans and a respected peer in the broadcasting community. In 2001, Lange’s contributions were recognized with his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, where he received the Foster Hewitt Award for broadcasting excellence.
A Career Defined by Iconic Calls
Throughout his tenure with the Penguins, Lange’s distinctive style and memorable calls became part of the fabric of the franchise. His signature phrases, such as “It’s a hockey night in Pittsburgh” and “Elvis has left the building,” are forever etched in the minds of fans who grew up listening to his broadcasts.
Mike was a wordsmith – a magician behind the mic. Only Mike could make the biggest names in hockey seem more magical with just his voice.
– Pittsburgh Penguins statement
Lange’s influence extended far beyond Pittsburgh, with sportscasters across the country mimicking his signature style and incorporating his catchphrases into their own broadcasts. His appearance in the 1995 action movie “Sudden Death,” set against the backdrop of a fictional Stanley Cup matchup, further cemented his status as a pop culture icon.
A Witness to History
Over the course of his career, Lange had a front-row seat to some of the most significant moments in Penguins history. He was there for the arrival of Mario Lemieux, the team’s first Stanley Cup victory in 1991, and the emergence of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin as the new faces of the franchise.
Lange’s calls during the Penguins’ championship runs in 1991, 1992, 2009, 2016, and 2017 will forever be associated with those triumphant moments. His exclamation of “Lord Stanley, Lord Stanley, get me the brandy!” after the Penguins’ 1992 Stanley Cup victory is a prime example of his ability to capture the emotion and significance of a moment.
A Legacy That Will Endure
Although Lange stepped away from the microphone in 2021 after 46 years with the Penguins, his impact on the organization and the sport will never be forgotten. His legacy will live on through the countless memories he helped create for generations of fans and the aspiring broadcasters who will strive to follow in his footsteps.
I didn’t get cheated in my quest to do what I have always loved.
– Mike Lange upon his retirement in 2021
As the hockey world mourns the loss of Mike Lange, it is clear that his voice will echo through the halls of NHL history for generations to come. His contributions to the sport and his indelible mark on the Pittsburgh Penguins organization will forever be remembered and celebrated.
While no one can truly fill the void left by Lange’s passing, his legacy will serve as an inspiration to those who aspire to capture the magic and emotion of the game through their words and their voice. Mike Lange may be gone, but his impact on the sport of hockey will never be forgotten.
