PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins paid tribute to legendary broadcaster Mike Lange in a heartfelt ceremony prior to their matchup against the Washington Capitals on Saturday. Lange, who passed away at the age of 76, had a remarkable career calling Penguins games for an impressive 46 years and was involved in broadcasting for nearly five decades before his retirement in 2021.
In a touching moment, Lange’s two sons and their families, along with several of his former colleagues, were invited onto the ice just before the opening faceoff. Penguins’ longtime captain Sidney Crosby, along with teammates Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, welcomed the family and stood alongside them as a video tribute rolled. The montage showcased some of Lange’s most memorable catchphrases, such as “It’s a hockey night in Pittsburgh” and “he beat him like a rented mule,” evoking nostalgia among fans and players alike.
As the emotional ceremony concluded, fans honored Lange with an extended standing ovation. One of his sons held up a sign that expressed gratitude, reading “Thank you Pittsburgh.” To commemorate Lange’s legacy, the Penguins displayed a large portrait of him accompanied by a table adorned with yellow roses and a pair of headphones, positioned in the lower concourse of PPG Paints Arena. Additionally, another tribute featuring flowers and headphones could be found in a radio booth named in his honor since 2019, located on the press level.
The Penguins also wore stickers on the backs of their black helmets featuring a microphone and headphones set against a gold backdrop, further solidifying the bond between the team and Lange’s enduring legacy.
Throughout his nearly five decades with the franchise, Lange narrated the team’s transformation from an underdog to a five-time Stanley Cup champion. His distinctive voice and whimsical expressions provided the backdrop for unforgettable moments involving hockey legends such as Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr, as well as current stars like Crosby and Malkin.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the sport, Lange was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001, where he was honored with the Foster Hewitt Award for broadcast excellence.
