PITTSBURGH — Renowned Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Lange, famous for his creative goal calls, has passed away at the age of 76. His unmistakable raspy voice had been a fixture for Pittsburgh Penguins fans over many years.
The team announced Lange’s death on Wednesday, although the cause has not been disclosed.
In a heartfelt statement, the Penguins remarked, “Mike was a wordsmith — a magician behind the mic,” adding that Lange had the unique ability to make the most prominent names in hockey seem even more remarkable through his commentary.
Phil Bourque, a former Penguins player and Lange’s companion in the team’s radio booth, characterized him as “one of the kindest, most loyal and loving humans I’ve ever met.” Bourque’s words echo the sentiments of many who appreciated Lange’s remarkable character.
Over nearly five decades, Lange documented the franchise’s transformation from a struggling team to one that has claimed the Stanley Cup five times. His memorable delivery and eccentric phrases became the soundtrack for unforgettable moments involving hockey legends like Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, and contemporary stars such as Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to broadcasting, Lange was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001, receiving the prestigious Foster Hewitt Award.
His signature phrases, including “It’s a hockey night in Pittsburgh,” “Elvis has left the building,” and “he beat him like a rented mule,” made Lange’s voice a beloved staple of hockey broadcasts.
A memorable moment occurred when the Penguins triumphed over Chicago to secure their second consecutive Stanley Cup in 1992. Lange celebrated the victory on air by saying, “Lord Stanley, Lord Stanley, get me the brandy,” which became one of his iconic calls.
Born in Sacramento, California, on March 3, 1948, Lange began his broadcasting career in the Western Hockey League before taking his first role with the Penguins in 1974. He left briefly during a financially challenging time for the team but returned permanently in 1976, where he went on to call every game for the following 30 years. As a lead broadcaster for both television and radio, Lange played an instrumental role in the Penguins’ rise to prominence in the NHL.
Lange’s distinctive style influenced sportscasters nationwide, with former ESPN anchor Keith Olbermann occasionally using phrases reminiscent of Lange’s work, such as “he beat him like a rented goalie.” Lange even made a cameo as a broadcaster in the Jean-Claude Van Damme film “Sudden Death,” which features a fictional Stanley Cup matchup between the Penguins and the Chicago Blackhawks.
In 2006, Lange transitioned to full-time radio duties and called the Penguins’ Stanley Cup victories in 2009, 2016, and 2017. He announced his retirement in August 2021 after an impressive 46-year career with the team. The organization celebrated him in October of that year, marking his 50 years in broadcasting.
Reflecting on his career upon retirement, Lange expressed, “I didn’t get cheated in my quest to do what I have always loved.” His legacy and vibrant spirit will undoubtedly be cherished by hockey fans and broadcasters alike.
