PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins held a poignant tribute to celebrate the life of Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Lange before their game against the Washington Capitals on Saturday.
Lange, who passed away at the age of 76 on Wednesday, dedicated an impressive 46 years to calling Penguins games and had a broadcasting career that spanned five decades, concluding with his retirement in 2021.
During the pre-game ceremony, Lange’s two sons, along with their families and several of his former broadcasting colleagues, were invited to the ice before the first puck drop. The ceremony was joined by longtime Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, as well as stars Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, who stood alongside the family while a heartfelt video tribute played. The video showcased some of Lange’s memorable catchphrases, including “It’s a hockey night in Pittsburgh” and “he beat him like a rented mule.”
As the tribute came to a close, the audience expressed their appreciation with a prolonged standing ovation for Lange. One of his sons displayed a sign that conveyed the message “Thank you Pittsburgh.”
In the lower concourse of PPG Paints Arena, the organization set up a prominent display, featuring a large photograph of Lange beside a table adorned with a vase of yellow roses and a set of headphones. Additionally, a separate arrangement of flowers and headphones was placed in one of the radio booths located on the press level, which was named in Lange’s honor in 2019.
To further honor Lange’s legacy, the Penguins donned special stickers on the back of their black helmets, depicting a microphone and headphones against a gold backdrop.
Lange spent nearly five decades narrating the remarkable journey of the franchise, witnessing its transformation from a struggling team to a five-time Stanley Cup champion. His distinctive style and quirky phrases became the backdrop for unforgettable moments created by legends such as Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, and contemporary stars like Crosby and Malkin.
In recognition of his contributions to sports broadcasting, Lange was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001, where he was honored with the Foster Hewitt Award for excellence in broadcasting.
