Mike Lange’s passing marks the end of an era, but his voice will live on in the hearts of Penguins fans forever
His ability to make every game exciting, his signature catchphrases, and his deep connection with the Pittsburgh community cement his place as one of the greatest broadcasters in NHL history.
Though he is gone, his impact on hockey—and on the city of Pittsburgh—will never fade. As Penguins fans remember their beloved announcer, one thing is certain: Mike Lange’s voice will always be part of their hockey memories.
Rest in peace, Mike Lange. Elvis has truly left the building.
Mike Lange may have retired from the broadcast booth, but his legacy remains. Every time a Penguins fan recalls one of his iconic phrases or watches a highlight featuring his legendary calls, his spirit lives on.
He was more than just a broadcaster—he was a magician behind the mic, a storyteller who made hockey come alive, and a Pittsburgh icon whose voice will echo in the hearts of fans forever.
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Remembering Mike Lange: A Legendary Voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins
The hockey world mourns the loss of Mike Lange, a legendary broadcaster who became the voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins for nearly half a century.1
Lange passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the rink.
His energetic play-by-play commentary, iconic catchphrases, and passion for the game made him an unforgettable figure in the sport.
Penguins legend Mario Lemieux paid tribute to Lange, acknowledging his profound impact on the team and the city of Pittsburgh.
Fans and players alike will forever cherish his voice, which narrated some of the greatest moments in Penguins history.
— Mario Lemieux (@MarioLemieuxFdn) February 20, 2025
The Voice of the Penguins for 46 Years
Mike Lange’s career with the Pittsburgh Penguins began in 1974, and he remained a key figure in the franchise for nearly five decades.
His voice was synonymous with the team’s success, covering all five of their Stanley Cup championships.
Through the eras of Mario Lemieux and Jaromír Jágr, and later, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, Lange’s enthusiasm and signature style brought the game to life.
Whether on the radio or television, his voice was a constant presence for Penguins fans.
Mario Lemieux’s Heartfelt Tribute
Hockey icon Mario Lemieux expressed his deep sorrow at Lange’s passing, emphasizing the broadcaster’s importance to the franchise.2
In a statement shared by the Penguins’ official X account, Lemieux highlighted Lange’s role in the team’s success:
“Mike was a Penguins legend and one of the most important figures in franchise history. It was my honor to have him call virtually every goal in my career and play a key role in all five of our Stanley Cup championships. Mike was a one-of-a-kind broadcaster, a tremendous ambassador for the city of Pittsburgh, and, most importantly, a great friend. He will be missed.”
Lemieux’s words capture the deep bond between Lange and the Penguins organization, as well as his influence on the sport and its fans.
A Master of Iconic Catchphrases
One of the most beloved aspects of Mike Lange’s broadcasting was his unique and colorful catchphrases.
His expressions became legendary, adding excitement and humor to every game. Some of his most famous lines include:
- “Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has just left the building!” – Used after a Penguins victory.
- “He beat him like a rented mule!” – Describing a particularly dominant play.
- “Get in the fast lane, Grandma, the bingo game is ready to roll!” – Celebrating an electrifying goal.
These catchphrases became an essential part of Penguins hockey, making every goal call memorable.
Winning the Foster Hewitt Award
In 2001, Mike Lange received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, one of the highest honors for a hockey broadcaster. Presented by the Hockey Hall of Fame, this award recognizes excellence in hockey broadcasting.
Lange’s ability to bring excitement, humor, and insight into every game made him a worthy recipient. His impact on the sport extended far beyond Pittsburgh, as his energetic style was admired by fans and broadcasters across the hockey world.
Lange’s career spanned multiple generations of Penguins fans. He was more than just a broadcaster; he was a storyteller who brought the game to life. His passion for hockey and connection with the fans made him a beloved figure.
Even after retiring from play-by-play duties in 2021, Lange continued to be part of the Penguins family. His presence at games, interactions with fans, and involvement in the community ensured his legacy would endure.
Reactions from the Hockey Community
Following Lange’s passing, tributes poured in from across the hockey world. Players, coaches, fellow broadcasters, and fans shared their condolences and memories of the legendary announcer.
Sidney Crosby, the Penguins’ longtime captain, expressed his gratitude for Lange’s contributions to the franchise:
“Mike was the soundtrack of so many great moments in Penguins history. His passion and unique calls made him special, and he will never be forgotten.”
Similarly, longtime Penguins broadcaster Paul Steigerwald reflected on his colleague’s impact:
“Mike had an unmatched ability to bring the excitement of the game to life. He had a way of making every play feel important, and his connection with the fans was truly special.”
Mike Lange: Fans Pay Their Respects
Penguins fans, who grew up listening to Lange, also honored his memory.3
Many took to social media to share their favorite calls and personal experiences with the broadcaster. Some posted videos of his legendary goal calls, while others shared stories of meeting him in person.
The Penguins organization announced plans to honor Lange during the upcoming season, ensuring his legacy lives on.
Mike Lange was more than just a sports broadcaster; he was a Pittsburgh icon. His voice became part of the city’s identity, much like the Steelers’ Myron Cope or the Pirates’ Bob Prince.
His love for Pittsburgh and its fans was evident in every call. Whether describing a thrilling overtime goal or simply sharing a moment of humor, Lange brought joy to generations of hockey fans.
Lange’s career was filled with unforgettable moments. Some of his greatest calls include:
- Mario Lemieux’s five-goal game in 1988, capped with, “Oh, buy Sam a drink and get his dog one too!”
- Sidney Crosby’s first career goal in 2005, marked by, “Sidney Crosby, you are off and running, young man!”
- The Penguins’ 2009 Stanley Cup victory, with Lange declaring, “The Pittsburgh Penguins have won the Stanley Cup! Elvis has left the building!”
These calls remain etched in the memories of fans, a testament to his incredible talent.
A Lasting Impact on Hockey Broadcasting
Lange’s influence extends beyond the Penguins. He inspired a generation of hockey broadcasters, who admired his unique style and ability to connect with fans. His storytelling, humor, and deep knowledge of the game set a standard for play-by-play announcers.
Even those who never met Lange personally felt like they knew him. His warmth, energy, and love for hockey shone through every broadcast.
The Pittsburgh Penguins released an official statement honoring Lange’s contributions to the franchise:
“Mike Lange was more than a broadcaster—he was part of our family. His voice defined some of the greatest moments in Penguins history, and his passion for the game was unmatched. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the countless fans who loved him.”
To further honor Lange, the team is planning a special tribute during the season, allowing fans to celebrate his legacy.
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Mike Lange: The Magician Behind the Mic
The Pittsburgh Penguins recently paid tribute to the legendary broadcaster Mike Lange, calling him “a magician behind the mic.”
Lange, who became synonymous with Penguins hockey, had a unique style that captivated fans for decades.
His passionate commentary, witty catchphrases, and ability to make every moment special cemented his legacy as one of the greatest announcers in the history of sports broadcasting.
Mike Lange wasn’t just a play-by-play announcer; he was the voice of Pittsburgh hockey. For over 45 years, he provided commentary that brought Penguins games to life.
His signature calls became a soundtrack for generations of fans, making every goal, save, and victory feel larger than life.
“The Californian quickly became a quintessential Pittsburgher,” the Penguins said in their tribute. Though born in California, Lange fully embraced the spirit of Pittsburgh.
His deep understanding of the game and his ability to craft compelling narratives made him more than just a broadcaster—he was a storyteller who gave fans an emotional connection to every play.
Iconic Catchphrases That Became Legendary
One of the things that set Mike Lange apart from other announcers was his collection of unforgettable catchphrases.
His calls weren’t just descriptions of the action; they were unique expressions that fans came to love. Some of his most famous lines included:
- “Scratch my back with a hacksaw!” – A phrase he used to celebrate incredible plays.
- “Buy Sam a drink and get his dog one too!” – A quirky way to mark a big goal.
- “He beat him like a rented mule!” – Used to describe a dominating move by a player.
- “Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has just left the building!” – His signature call when the Penguins secured a win.
These phrases became part of Penguins culture, with fans eagerly anticipating what Lange would say next.
Mike Lange’s journey to becoming a legendary broadcaster was anything but ordinary. Born in 1948 in Sacramento, California, he started his broadcasting career calling minor league hockey games.
In 1974, he joined the Pittsburgh Penguins, and from that moment on, he became an integral part of the team’s identity.
Lange’s voice wasn’t just a presence in Pittsburgh homes during games; it became a symbol of the team’s success.
His enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the sport made him one of the most respected broadcasters in the NHL.
Mike Lange: Five Stanley Cup Wins
Mike Lange was in the booth for all five of the Penguins’ Stanley Cup victories, from their first championship in 1991 to their most recent triumph in 2017.
His ability to capture the emotion of the moment made those victories even more memorable.
As the Penguins put it:
“The Hall-of-Famer’s voice is synonymous with the biggest calls in franchise history, including all five Stanley Cup Championships.”
Fans will always remember Lange’s calls during these championship runs. Whether it was Mario Lemieux’s dazzling goals in the early ‘90s, Sidney Crosby lifting the Cup, or Evgeni Malkin’s brilliant performances, Lange had a way of making those moments even more magical.
Respected by Players, Coaches, and Fans
Lange wasn’t just loved by fans—he was respected by players and coaches as well. His deep connection with the Penguins organization made him a beloved figure in the locker room.
Players admired his passion for the game, and many of them grew up listening to his calls.
Coaches also appreciated Lange’s insight and professionalism. He had a knack for reading the game and anticipating major plays before they happened. His knowledge of hockey was as sharp as his legendary one-liners.
Making “Hockey Night in Pittsburgh” Special
For decades, Penguins fans tuned in to hear Lange call the action, knowing he would make “Hockey Night in Pittsburgh” special.
His voice became a comforting and familiar presence, making even regular-season games feel like must-watch events.
The Penguins summed it up perfectly:
“Because of him, Hockey Night in Pittsburgh had the entire city ‘smell like a butcher’s dog.’”
His influence extended beyond just calling games—he was a part of the city’s culture. Pittsburghers identified with him, and his presence in the broadcast booth was something they cherished.
The Hall of Fame Recognition
In 2001, Mike Lange was recognized for his outstanding contributions to hockey broadcasting when he received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame.
This prestigious award is given to broadcasters who have made a lasting impact on the sport.
Lange’s induction into the Hall of Fame was a well-deserved honor, solidifying his place among the greatest voices in hockey history.
Though Mike Lange is no longer calling games, his impact on the Penguins and their fans will never be forgotten.
His legendary calls, unique style, and deep love for the game ensured that he will always be remembered as one of the greatest voices in hockey.
The Penguins’ tribute captured it best:
“Though Mike Lange is gone, his impact on the Penguins and their fans will never be forgotten.”
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