Mike Lange, the Hall of Fame broadcaster who became the voice of Pittsburgh Penguins hockey for nearly 50 years, has died at 76.
The Penguins confirmed Lange’s death Wednesday. No cause was given.
“Mike was a wordsmith — a magician behind the mic,” the Penguins said in a statement. “Only Mike could make the biggest names in hockey seem more magical with just his voice.”
Phil Bourque, former Penguin and longtime broadcast partner, called Lange “one of the kindest, most loyal and loving humans I’ve ever met.”
Lange chronicled the Penguins’ transformation from struggling franchise to five-time Stanley Cup champions. His distinctive voice narrated the careers of Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, and current stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
The Hockey Hall of Fame recognized Lange’s excellence in 2001 with the Foster Hewitt Award.
His signature phrases became part of Pittsburgh hockey culture: “It’s a hockey night in Pittsburgh,” “Elvis has left the building,” and “he beat him like a rented mule.”
When the Penguins won their second consecutive Stanley Cup in 1992, Lange’s radio call became legendary: “Lord Stanley, Lord Stanley, get me the brandy.”
Born in Sacramento on March 3, 1948, Lange called Western Hockey League games before joining the Penguins in 1974. After a brief departure during the team’s financial troubles, he returned in 1976 and didn’t miss a game for 30 years.
His catchphrases spread beyond Pittsburgh. Former ESPN anchor Keith Olbermann adapted Lange’s style, using “he beat him like a rented goalie” during NHL highlights. Lange even appeared in the 1995 film “Sudden Death,” bringing his distinctive calls to the Jean-Claude Van Damme hockey action movie.
Lange moved exclusively to radio broadcasting in 2006. He called the team’s 2009, 2016, and 2017 Stanley Cup victories before retiring in August 2021 after 46 years with the organization.
“I didn’t get cheated in my quest to do what I have always loved,” Lange said when announcing his retirement.
The Penguins honored him in October 2021, marking his 50th year in broadcasting.
