Despite his public persona, Mike Lange kept his private life largely out of the spotlight.
Highlights
- Mike Lange was known for his vibrant play-by-play calls and unique catchphrases, becoming a beloved figure over his nearly five-decade career.
- Despite his public persona, Lange kept his family life private and is survived by his wife and their two sons, Ian and Tanner.
- Lange’s legacy is honored by the Pittsburgh Penguins, including naming the press box at PPG Paints Arena after him.
Mike Lange, the iconic voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins, passed away on February 19, 2025, at the age of 76.
Known for his iconic play-by-play calls and vibrant personality, Lange was more than just a broadcaster—he was a beloved figure who brought Penguins hockey to life for nearly five decades.
His death marks the end of an era for Penguins fans and the broader hockey community.
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
Despite His Public Persona, Mike Lange Kept His Personal Life Private
Lange is survived by his wife, whose name has not been disclosed, and their two sons, Ian and Tanner.
While the family has chosen to grieve privately, the Penguins organization released a statement honoring Lange’s legacy:
Mike Lange was a wordsmith—a magician behind the mic. His colorful calls and smooth cadence brought Penguins hockey to life.
nhl.com
‘Legend’ doesn’t even begin to describe him. RIP Mike Lange. pic.twitter.com/1EpG3TBzs8
— Pittsburgh Clothing Co. (@PGHClothingCo) February 20, 2025
Lange’s family has not yet made a public statement, but friends and colleagues have described him as a devoted husband and father.
His wife and sons were a central part of his life, and he often spoke about the joy they brought him.
Despite his public persona, Lange kept his family life private, focusing on his role as a broadcaster and his love for the game.
Today is a sad day in the hockey broadcasting world, as we lost a legend in Mike Lange. Mike was one of the nicest people I've ever met, and I am forever thankful for all that he did for me, in addition to being always so supportive of the Nailers. pic.twitter.com/YsUEMmsMrD
— DJ Abisalih (@Deej_HockeyPXP) February 20, 2025
Mike Lange Had An Illustrious Sportscasting Career That Spanned 46 Seasons
Born on March 3, 1948, in Sacramento, California, Lange’s broadcasting career began in the Western Hockey League before he joined the Penguins in 1974.
Over 46 seasons, he became renowned for his distinctive play-by-play style and memorable catchphrases, such as “Elvis has just left the building,” “Buy Sam a drink and get his dog one, too,” and a fan favorite, “He beat him like a rented mule.”
He became the voice of the franchise, calling all five of the team’s Stanley Cup championships (1991, 1992, 2009, 2016, and 2017) and chronicling the careers of legends like Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, Sidney Crosby, and Evgeni Malkin.
Mike Lange has passed away at the age of 76. KDKA Radio's @RobPratte talks about his legacy with producer @_GregFinley. pic.twitter.com/mg2GVGEjWU
— 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA (@KDKARadio) February 20, 2025
In 2001, Lange received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to hockey broadcasting.
He retired in 2021, leaving behind a 46-year legacy that has deeply influenced the sport and its fans.
The Penguins honored him by naming the press box after him at PPG Paints Arena, ensuring his legacy would forever be linked to the team.
The team’s statement further emphasized his impact:
Only Mike could make the biggest names in hockey seem even more magical with just his voice.
nhl.com
Thank You Mike Lange for being the voice of soo many great penguins moments!!! The best to ever do it! RIP 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/UfHM25G1Lo
— Stone Cold Sid (@StoneColdSid) February 20, 2025
As the hockey world mourns his passing, Mike Lange’s voice and unique expressions will continue to resonate with fans, encapsulating the spirit and history of Pittsburgh Penguins hockey.
Additional Information
- Before joining the Pittsburgh Penguins, Mike Lange worked as a broadcaster for the San Diego Gulls and the Phoenix Roadrunners in the Western Hockey League.
- Lange’s broadcasting career began in the penalty box at local hockey arenas, where he coordinated penalty times with the public address announcer.
- Mike Lange had an estimated net worth of $10 million at the time of his passing.
