Condolences, sympathies and memories were being shared on social media following the death of Mike Lange, who will forever be remembered as the voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Lange died Wednesday. He was 76.
“The Penguins organization joins the family, friends and fans of legendary broadcaster Mike Lange as we mourn his passing and remember his remarkable life,” the franchise said on X, formerly Twitter.
The Penguins organization joins the family, friends and fans of legendary broadcaster Mike Lange as we mourn his passing and remember his remarkable life. pic.twitter.com/UzQ2KREeWQ
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 20, 2025
“Mike was a Penguins legend and one of the most important figures in franchise history,” Mario Lemieux said. “It was an 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.”
Lange’s broadcast partner, Phil Bourque, said Lange was “one of the kindest, most loyal and loving humans I’ve ever met.”
We lost one of the kindest, most loyal and loving humans I’ve ever met.”Mikey” Lange’s voice and passion with stay with us forever! RIP Hall of Famer. Smilin and Wuv Ya! pic.twitter.com/lnJ3uZKiWO
— Phil Bourque (@pbourque29) February 20, 2025
The Pittsburgh Pirates was part of the global sports community mourning Lange’s loss.
“Mike was a fixture in our city for decades and will remain in our hearts,” the Pirates said.
We join the Pittsburgh and global sports community to mourn the loss of legendary announcer Mike Lange.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) February 20, 2025
Mike was a fixture in our city for decades and will remain in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/bpShiQXYmf
Lange was a recipient of the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Foster Hewitt Award in 2001 for outstanding contributions to his profession, the NHL Public Relations account posted.
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. pic.twitter.com/5UiL1JEwnf
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 20, 2025
TribLive news partner WTAE posted a tribute video to Lange.
“He was a true original who brought the sport of hockey to life for Pittsburghers, highlighted by an unforgettable and unmistakable style with a catalog of catchphrases that became the soundtrack for Penguins hockey,” Ryan Recker said in the post on Facebook.
On Facebook, comedian Matt Light remembered himself and other kids playing street hockey doing their best impressions of Lange, including, “HEEEEEEE SHOOOOTTTS AND SCORESSSS. Or his iconic ‘Michael Michael Motorcycle.’ ”
“His voice will live on,” Light said.
X user Dante Shuriken posted a video from 2009 of Lange’s top 10 calls.
In honor of Mike Lange, here’s a TSN top 10 made in 2009 of his top 10 calls. The best to ever do it. pic.twitter.com/LS5K0puwez
— DanteShuriken (@DanteShuriken) February 20, 2025
“ ‘Legend’ doesn’t even begin to describe him,” the Pittsburgh Clothing Co. said on its account.
‘Legend’ doesn’t even begin to describe him. RIP Mike Lange. pic.twitter.com/1EpG3TBzs8
— Pittsburgh Clothing Co. (@PGHClothingCo) February 20, 2025
A well-known and highly active Pittsburgh account, going by Joey Bag of Donuts, posted a video in which Lange said, “I’ll meet you in the schoolyard baby for all the marbles on Friday night in Detroit!”
AND I’LL MEET YOU IN THE SCHOOLYARD BABY FOR ALL THE MARBLES ON FRIDAY NIGHT IN DETROIT
— J????ey Bag ????f D????nuts ???? (@joeybagovdonuts) February 20, 2025
RIP Mike Lange pic.twitter.com/vwa7OQYIHO
“I can’t adequately express how much Mike Lange meant to me,” posted Steve Mears, play-by-play broadcaster of the Columbus Blue Jackets. “A friend, mentor & he treated me like a son.”
Mears shared a photo of himself with Lange, in which he says Lange was giving him advice.
“His iconic calls and that incredible voice will live forever,” Mears said. “Have a Miller Lite and Smile.”
I can’t adequately express how much Mike Lange meant to me… a friend, mentor & he treated me like a son. I love this photo cause he’s giving me advice (as usual) & I’m loving it. His iconic calls and that incredible voice will live forever. Have a Miller Lite tonight and Smile. pic.twitter.com/aANUHzWJX0
— Steve Mears (@MearsyNHL) February 20, 2025
