SUBSIM Radio Room Forums - Long Time Pittsburgh Penguins announcer Mike Lange Passes away at 76

Mike Lange, who called the games for the Pittsburgh Penguins has passed away at 76. Although Mike was a native of Sacramento California, Mike easily ingratiated himself to Pittsburgh Hockey and Hockey fans across the National Hockey League. Mike would open his Penguins Broadcast by saying, “It's a Hockey night in Pittsburgh!” Mike had so many catch phrases like , He ( player ) is ‘smilin’ like a butcher’s dog.’” He beat him like a rented mule, Slap me silly, Sidney” and “He smoked him like a cheap cigar.” " Get in the fast lane Grandma, The Bingo game is ready to Roll. " Perhaps his best line was, " Ladies and Gentlemen, Elvis has just left the building."

He was the 2001 winner of the Foster Hewitt Award, presented annually by the Hockey Hall of Fame and selected by the NHL Broadcasters Association for excellence in hockey broadcasting and contributions to the game.

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Czech Republic great Jaromir Jagr Played for the Penguins during his 11 seasons with the Penguins (1990-2001) and thanked Mike Lange when his No. 68 was retired on Feb. 19, 2024 alongside that of Hockey great, Mario Lemieux. Jaromir Jagr said during his Jersey Retirement, " “I’ve got to say the last name – he’s not a player, he’s not a coach, he’s not a manager,” Jagr said in his speech. “But he was, for me, the voice of Pittsburgh Penguins: Mike Lange.”

https://www.ksl.com/article/51257367...yle-dies-at-76

I saw and heard Mike Announce the Games between the Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins during the Stanley Cup Finals. I traveled to Pittsburgh to see The Red Wings play the Penguins and went to the games with friends from Pittsburgh. Mike was magic. Everyone responded to Mike Lange. The Fans, Coaches and Players loved Mike because it was evident, Mike loved Hockey, the Penguins, Fans and the Players.

I had the chance to meet Mike and some players and Mike was awesome. I wished he had announced for the Red Wings but Mike Lange was a Pittsburgh guy through and through. Mike enjoyed celebrating five Stanley Cup Championships with the Penguins and the city of Pittsburgh.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R60p5EgLP30

Imagine watching a movie without a Music soundtrack. A good Soundtrack brings a movie to life. Mike, by his persona, provided the Soundtrack for the Penguins and brought Penguin Hockey to life for the enjoyment of the fans, Players, Coaches and the Team. Without him, Hockey would have been dull and boring.

Goodbye Mike and rest in Peace. Thanks for stopping by and sharing some great Hockey with everyone and making the games memorable.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Mike Lange has just left the Building.