Legendary play-by-play voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins Mike Lange has passed away at the age of 76, a source close to Lange confirmed to the New York Times. Lange was on the call for both the Pittsburgh Penguins radio and television networks for a combined 46 years.
According to a report from The Athletic, Lange passed away at his home in Pittsburgh on Wednesday.
Lange worked both the radio and television networks for the Penguins from 1976-2006, but left the television side of the call in following the 2005-2006 season after then-Fox Sports Pittsburgh did not exercise the option year of Lange’s contract. The veteran play-by-play voice didn’t miss any time as he continued with the call of the Penguins on the radio network the very next season, calling it a career following the 2020-2021 season.
Known for his signature calls of “Look out Loretta” among others, Lange is most remembered for his iconic phrase following a Penguins victory proclaiming “Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has just left the building.” The 76-year old broadcaster was on the call for every Pittsburgh Penguins Stanley Cup championship run ranging from 1991 thru the franchise’s latest in 2017.
The Pittsburgh Penguins released the following statement via social media:
Mike Lange was a wordsmith – a magician behind the mic. The Californian quickly became a quintessential Pittsburgher, and his colorful calls and smooth cadence brought Penguins hockey to life.
The Hall-of-Famer’s voice is synonymous with the biggest calls in franchise history, including all five Stanley Cup Championships, and his unique one-liners and knack for anticipating game-changing plays set him apart from other announcers. Only Mike could make the biggest names in hockey seem even more magical with just his voice.
Mike was so much more than a legendary broadcaster. He was respected by the players and coaches and beloved by the fans. Because of him, Hockey Nights in Pittsburgh had the entire city “smilin’ like a butcher’s dog.
Remembrances have been pouring in following the breaking news of Lange’s passing including from Mark Madden, host on Penguins radio flagship station 105.9 The X.
“I don’t have the words right now,” said Madden via his personal account on X. “I can promise that I’ll find them by 2pm tomorrow. And we’re gonna talk lots of hockey because there’s a big game, that’s what Mike would want. Mike Lange, RIP. A great friend & absolute legend. A true Penguin & a big influence.”
Madden went on to say via X that Mike Lange sits atop his Pittsburgh sports broadcaster Mount Rushmore.
This is a developing story. More information will be added as it is learned.
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