Legendary Pittsburgh Penguins Announcer Mike Lange Dies

PITTSBURGH, PA — Mike Lange, whose colorful calls and unique catch phrases as a Penguins play-by-play announcer enthralled Pittsburgh sports fans for nearly five decades, died Wednesday. He was 76.

His death was announced by the team. No cause was given.

Lange first called Penguins games in 1974, left for another broadcasting job and returned to his play-by-play duties for the Pens in 1976. He was the team's lead broadcaster on its television and radio networks before retiring in 2021 after 46 seasons with the team.

The Hockey Hall of Fame inducted Lange in 2001 when he received the Foster Hewitt Award for broadcast excellence.

Lange used a plethora of quirky catchphrases that imbued themselves not just into the culture of Pens fans but into the culture of Pittsburgh. Some of his most familiar ones included:

• "Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building."

• "Buy Sam a drink and get his dog one, too."

• "He beat him like a rented mule."

After the Penguins won their second Stanley Cup in 1992, Lange famously uttered this memorable line: "Lord Stanley, Lord Stanley, get me the brandy."

The Penguins issued the following statement regarding Lange's passing:

"Mike Lange was a wordsmith -- a magician behind the mic. The California native 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 Stanely 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 even more magical with just his voice. Mike was so much more than a legendary broadcaster. He was respected by 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.'"

The NHL issued this statement:

“The NHL is saddened by the passing of long-time Penguins play-by-play broadcaster Mike Lange, recipient of the Hockey Hall of Fame's Foster Hewitt Award in 2001 for outstanding contributions to his profession. Our thoughts are with his family and his many friends in the game.”