The Pittsburgh Penguins are within the midst of a playoff race and can look to make the postseason coming out of the 4 Nations tournament. Nevertheless, the organization has suffered an excellent loss off the ice. Longtime play-by-play voice Mike Lange has passed away on the age of 76, the team confirmed in a social media announcement.
“Mike Lange was a wordsmith — a magician behind the mic. The Californian quickly became a quintessential Pittsburgher, and his colourful calls and smooth cadence brought Penguins hockey to life,” the team said in an announcement released Wednesday night.
“The Hall of Famer’s voice is synonymous with the largest calls in franchise history, including all five Stanley Cup Championships, and his unique one-liners and knack for anticipating game-changing plays set him aside from other announcers. Only Mike could make the largest names in hockey seem much more magical with just his voice.
“Mike was so rather more than a legendary broadcaster. He was respected by the players and coaches and beloved by the fans. Due to him, Hockey Nights in Pittsburgh had the complete city ‘smilin’ like a butcher’s dog,’” the team’s statement continued.
Hockey world comes together to mourn Penguins’ Mike Lange
Many tributes to Lange were posted to social media on Wednesday. Considered one of which got here from Pittsburgh sports icon Mario Lemieux. Lemieux won two Stanley Cups with the Penguins while Lange was on the decision.
Related Pittsburgh Penguins NewsArticle continues below
Other figures inside the hockey world had their very own tributes. Steve Mears, currently the play-by-play voice of the Columbus Blue Jackets, posted a cherished photo with Lange on Wednesday night.
Members of the media also provided their very own tributes to the Penguins play-by-play voice. Lange actually made an impact on those around him. And he earned the respect of everyone inside the NHL and the sport of hockey as an entire.
Lange brought the sport alive in ways in which resonated with hundreds of thousands across the country. Any historic moment in Penguins history is more likely to have one in every of his iconic calls behind it. He will definitely be missed by the sport at large. May he rest in peace, and should his family find peace and luxury during this difficult time.
