The NHL In Mourning After the Passing Of Legendary Penguins Announcer Mike Lange
Photo credit: Sportsnet
A legendary National Hockey League broadcaster and Hockey Hall of Famer who was in the game for nearly five decades, has sadly passed away at the age of 76 this week.
As fans around the NHL and the globe continue to mourn the passing of former first-round pick Mikka Elomo, this week, the league has sadly lost one of their legendary and beloved broadcasters.
Pittsburgh Penguins broadcaster Mike Lange passes away at 76-years-old
On Wednesday night, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced that long-time broadcaster Mike Lange, who had been with them for nearly 50 years, has passed away at the age of 76.
"Mike Lange, who spent 46 years behind the mic for the Pittsburgh Penguins as one of the most unique broadcasters in professional sports - known for his colorful, creative style and trademark sayings - died on Wednesday. He was 76." the Penguins said in a statement on their website.
Lange initially joined the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1974 to serve a radio announcer, but left the club after one season because the organization went into bankruptcy.
In 1976, Lange re-joined the Penguins as the lead play-by-play announcer on radio and television, a role that he held until 2006, before Fox Sports Pittsburgh decided not to sign him to a new contract.
From the 2006-07 season until his retirement in 2021, Lange remained with the organization as a broadcaster on their radio network.
Back in 2001, Lange was honoured by the Hockey Hall of Fame with the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, which is handed out annually to members of the television and radio industry who have made an outstanding contribution to the game.
"Mike made such an impact on the Penguins franchise, and me personally as a player," Sidney Crosby said. "He welcomed me to Pittsburgh. It was the little things, like words of encouragement at my stall after the media had left, a fist bump to acknowledge a big game or a wink for a special moment. He was so special and I am honored to have called Mike my friend."
The thoughts of everyone here at Canucks Daily are with the family and friends of Mike Lange at this difficult time.
Source: Pittsburgh Penguins
The Voice of the Penguins: Remembering Mike Lange
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