A wordsmith, a magician behind the mic.
One of the most important figures in Penguins history.
A one-of-a-kind broadcaster.
A tremendous ambassador for the city of Pittsburgh.
Those are just a few of the tributes for Mike Lange who died at his home Wednesday at the age of 76.
He spent 46 years with the Pens and we are proud Mike's first game in Pittsburgh was on KDKA.
On Thursday morning, several guests shared memories like sportscaster Paul Steigerwald, who said “Every night was a blast to work with Mike.” Post-Gazette columnist Jason Mackey said Lange was on a short list of the team’s biggest stars including Lemieux, Jagr, Crosby and Malkin.
Network play-by-play man Doc Emrick wondered how many thousands of listeners became hockey fans because of Mike’s on-air energy and unique style.
One of our team members has suggested there should be a statue of Mike Lange outside the arena. That’s an appropriate way to honor someone who won the hearts of generations of Penguins fans.